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MRS. MADISON
By Gilbert Stuart

LIFE AND LETTERS

DOLLY MADISON

ALLEN C. CLARK

I coafess I do not admire contention in any form, either political or civil.

—Dolly P. Madison

WASHINGTON. D. C.

PRESS OF W. F. ROBERTS COMPANY

1914

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1914

By ALLEN C. CLARK

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress

at Washington

Gift from

Robert L. Owen
Nov. 4, 1931

WHY WRITTEN

R. AND MRS. JAMES FRANKLIN HOOD, at
their residence in Washington, were the hosts
of the Dolly Madison Chapter, Daughters of
the American Revolution, the evening of May 19, 1911.
At their request a paper was prepared for the entertain-
ment of the guests. That paper is the nucleus of this
elaboration. If, perchance, the reader is entertained, the
acknowledgment is due to them.

The Public Ledger, Philadelphia. June 2, 1912, in an
interesting article, says that Dolly Madison, probably
above all other American women, has, for some not any
too well understood reason, been regarded with a sym-
pathetic and sentimental interest. And, The Evening
Star, in its able editorial column, May 12, 1912, has:
"A little myth is mixed with her fame, but that is to be
allowed for. It inheres in all fame." That the unfad-
ing fame of Mrs. Madison has its foundation more on
fact or more on fancy, the reader, it is believed, has,
within these pages, sufficient evidence to pass judgment.

Deal gently with us, ye who read !

— Oliver Wendell Holmes.

CONTENTS

Page

1. 1768—1799 ------... 7

H. 1800—1808 35

III. 1809—1811 97

IV. 1812—1816 - 125

V. 1817—1830 203

VI. 1831 — 1834 241

VII. 1835—1840 265

VIII. 1841 — 1844 303

IX. 1845—1847 353

X. 1848—1849 401

XI. Apropos - 483

Dolly Madison Breakfast - - - - - - 497

Appendix A. Cutts' Genealogy 501

B. Will of John Todd, Junior 502

C. Will of Dolly P. Madison 503

D. Disposition of personal effects of Mrs.

Madison 504

E. Catalogue of portraits of Mrs. Madison - 505

F. Letter of Mrs. Bushrod Washington - - 507
G. Period Costumes at National Museum - - 507

Index to Names ----._ 509

ILLUSTRATIONS

Mrs. Madison. By Gilbert Stuart — Frontispiece. Page

Scotch Town, Virginia -------- 6

231 New Street, Philadelphia 12

150 North Third Street, Philadelphia 20

153 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia 24

Harewood, West Virginia - 40

Harewood, Interior --------- 44

429 Spruce Street, Philadelphia 52

Mrs. Madison. By James Peale - - - ■ - - -56

Six Buildings, Washington, D. C. 72

2411 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C. - - -76

Mr. and Mrs. Madison. By T. C. Liebers ... - 84

Mrs. Thomas Law. By Gilbert Stuart ----- 88

Sydney, District of Columbia ------- 1 04

Carroll Row, Washington, D. C. - 108

Letter — Mrs. Madison to Mr. Latrobe - - 112

Anthony Morris. By James Peale - - - - - - 1 1 6

The President's House 120

The Octagon, Washington, D. C. - - - - - 136

Seven Buildings, Washington, D. C, 1816 - - - 140

Montpellier, Virginia 148

Dr. William Thornton. By Gilbert Stuart - 152

Mrs. William Thornton. By Gilbert Stuart - - - - 1 68

Marcia Burnes. By James Peale 172

Cottage of David Burnes - - - - - - - -180

1202 D Street, Washington, D. C. 188

Mansion Square, Washington, D. C. - - - - - 196

Mrs. John P. Van Ness. By Charles B. King - - - 200

John Peter Van Ness 208

Rosedale, District of Columbia -216

Mrs. Madison's draft of letter to President Jackson - - 224

The Highlands, District of Columbia 232

St. John's Church, Washington, D. C. 248

Dolly Madison House, Washington, D. C. - - - - 264

Belle Vue, Washington, D. C. - - 280

Mrs. Madison. From Engraving of Portrait by Joseph Wood 296

Friendship, District of Columbia 312

Mrs. Madison. By Fleming 328

Brentwood, District of Columbia ------ 344

Mrs. Madison. By W. S. Elwell - 360

Kalorama, District of Columbia - - - - - - 376

John Payne Todd 392

Mrs. Tobias Lear - - 408

Mrs. Richard Bland Lee 424

Mrs. William Craig - 440

U
en

CHAPTER I
1768-1799

THE incomparable Dolly! It is not irreverent of
Dorothea Payne Madison; it is expressive of
admiration and affection. The superiority in
comparison is only an attempt to adequately aggregate
her attractive attributes. The queens of our chosen kings
are a long line; a line all strung with gems, each with
especial excellence, but Queen Dolly sparkles the most.
An adoring and affectionate wife was Mrs. Washington;
and when her husband entered she arose and said "The
President." No hero of the times that evolved the
Revolution and consummated it is entitled to greater
honor than the heroine, Abigail Smith Adams. Mrs.
Adams could cultivate a farm, raise children, spin
cloth, study literature, teach herself French, and do all
manner of wonderful things, all at the same time; and
write besides the chattiest letters and letters political
and philosophical. And how she could write — she
was the equal of the elder Adams and the younger
Adams, and nothing more can be added of letter-writ-
ing praise. Mrs. Adams was the mistress of the Ex-
ecutive Mansion from November 16, 1800, to March
4, 1801. She, in scriptural paraphrase, said: ''I am a

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

mortal enemy to anything but a cheerful countenance
and merry heart," and in this King Cole spirit while
living in "the Castle" kept the fires going "to secure
from daily agues"; and, in absence of fence, yard or
other convenience, used the great unfinished audience-
room to hang up the clothes in. It is items like these,
that Mrs. Adams has preserved, that make history
worth reading.

It is only fair to say this much of Mrs. Adams — for
she in four months exercised her housewife ability to
have in readiness "the Castle" for Mrs. Madison's reign
of sixteen years. Mr. Jefferson was a widower, and
in the absence of his daughters, and they were almost
always absent, Mrs. Madison, the wife of the Secre-
tary of State, was the first lady by substitution; and,
of course, was in the succeeding eight years that in her
own right.

Letters are conversation — conversation expressed with
more care and deliberateness than by spoken language.
Letters express thought and the thought expressed ex-
hibits the character. The spirit of the letter indicates
that of the writer as vivacious or slow, gay or sad. The
style reflects the culture ; and the conformity to rules
shows the education.

Letters live and the writers die. The scene of the
letter is always acted although the actors have long
since made exit.

Letters suggest life — the mind is there in the phras-
ing; the hand is there that pushed the penning. Letters
awaken memory — the absent or gone return — the men-
tal mirror has a more perfect presence than a painted
portrait. Letters recreate the unseen writer; the reader
imagines the writer; from the letter catches the soul
and gives it a human form.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

In Dolly Madison's day letters had a superior ex-
cellence. More brilliancy of thought then and more
uniqueness of telling. Variety, freshness and style are
opposite the commonplaces of these machine days.
Quaint are the old letters with their lazy abbreviations
and simple punctuation. If the letters that have been
preserved are exponents, the writers wrote for the gen-
erations. The letters quoted are all in the appropriate
styles of the rhetoric. Some of the friendship letters
are talking letters (in their naturalness, the best of all) ;
others are clothed in courtesy with classic ornaments,
but whatever their style or their contents, they will be
passed by with brief comment, or none at all, for to the
intelligent the apparent needs no pointing and the well-
said needs no re-saying.

Dorothea Payne was born May 20, 1768. Her
mother's maiden name was Mary Coles. Mary was the
daughter of William Coles and Lucy Winston.* Wil-
liam was Irish and hailed from Enniscarthy, on the
River Sliney, in the County Wexford, Ireland. Her
father was John Payne, son of John Payne, senior, an
Englishman, who married Ann Fleming, of Scotch
parentage and noble lineage.

John Payne, junior, soon after his marriage, pur-
chased an estate in Hanover County, Virginia, within
driving distance of his father's plantation and of Coles
Hill, the plantation of his father-in-law — neither far
distant from the James River and the city of Rich-
mond. The son's mansion was called Scotch Town.

Dorothea smiled first in North Carolina, where her
parents were on a visit. She was named in honor of
Dorothea Spotswood Dandridge, granddaughter of

♦Memorandum in Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison in the
Public Library, District of Columbia.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Alexander Spotswood, the Governor. This Dorothea
successively married Patrick Henry and Edmund
Winston, notable men, and cousins of our Dorothea's
mother.* Dorothea was the eldest daughter. Doro-
thea had these brothers and sisters who reached major-
ity, although the accuracy of the list is not claimed:
William, Isaac, Temple, John, Walter, Lucy, Anna and
Mary. Dorothea was quickly changed to Dolly.

Dolly's parents joined the Society of Friends soon after
marriage. True to the tenets of the Society, they manu-
mitted their slaves. They were inclined to locate in
Philadelphia, the stronghold of the sect. A preliminary
visit was made.

Journal of Elizabeth Drinker :

1781, March 5. Molly Payne spent ye day, and
lodged with us. She and son Walter breakfasted ye 6th.

Evidently favorably impressed with the plan, they exe-
cuted it. Their servers did not accept release from servi-
tude with favor and Mother Amy made the migration
with the family and continued in its service; and from
her savings of wages to her mistress bequeathed five hun-
dred dollars. f

Journal of Elizabeth Drinker:

1783, July 9. John Payne's family came to reside in
Philada

It is said that the Paynes were entertained at the
Drinker's who lived at the corner of Front street and
Drinker's alley (now effaced) until they secured a home
for themselves.f

*Dolly Madison. Maud Wilder Goodwin.
Vbid.

$The Paynes * * * only stopped at their friend's house until
they could obtain a house of their own. Where this was located is

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The Philadelphia Directory, 1785. By Francis White:

John Paine, Merchant. Fifth between Market and
Arch streets.

Between the Drinkers and Paynes was affiliation for
Elizabeth Drinker's father like Mary Payne's, familiarly
Molly, was a native of the county, Wexford, in the old
country.*

Journal of Elizabeth Drinker :

1784, July 10. Sally Drinker and Walter Payne,
Billey Sansom and Polly Wells, Jacob Downing and
Dolly Payne, went to our place at Frank ford. Dolly and
Josey Sansom and Nancy Drinker (from Par La Ville)
met them there. A squabble. Nancy returned home in
ye evening with her sister.

Through Haddonfield, New Jersey, two leagues from
Camden, runs ye King's Highway, as says the tablet:

This street was laid out and surveyed in 1681 by order
of the representatives of the King of England, and called
"Ye King's Highway."

Ancient buttonwoods line the highway, these button-
woods, which, in vain, endeavor to match their antiquity
are considerably over an hundred feet tall. The king had
forethought of a need of a highway for says the second
tablet :

The British army passed under these trees after evac-
uating Philadelphia, June, 1778.

not known, but in 1785 John Payne, according to MacPherson's
Directory, lived at 410 Third street. The site of this structure, after
considerable investigation, had been found to be that of the present
building now numbered 57 North Third street, the fourth house
below Arch street, on the east side. — Public Ledger, June 2, 1912.
*The Journal of Elizabeth Drinker.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

On the King's Highway is the mansion that disdains
the decays of time, for it was built in 1750. Soon after
its putting up, it became the property of Hugh Creighton,
who made of it, a tavern, and of himself, the tavern's
keeper. The State of New Jersey was born there and
therein is a tablet whereon it is told.

Mr. Creighton's tavern has another distinction. W.
Jay Mills, in Historic Houses of New Jersey, has :

The visits to Haddonfield were bright spots in Dolly
Payne's early life. Hugh Creighton was not a strict
Friend, and his wife, Mary French, was a woman of most
lovable character, with a heart large enough to take in all
the world's people who chanced to cross her quiet path-
way. Tavern keeping in the eighties of the eighteenth
century, although an honorable and profitable occupation
in Southern Jersey, was frowned upon by the generality
of Friends, as their discipline did not permit them to look
on it with favor. Life at her uncle's* genial hearth was
much broader than in her own home at Philadelphia. In
the former place she obtained some of her first impres-
sions of days untinctured by the gray shadows of the
meeting house.

As a girl of eighteen in the year 1786, she is described
as being of slight figure, possessing a delicately oval face,
a nose tilted like a flower, jet black hair, and blue eyes of
wondrous sweetness. Those beautiful eyes, with their
power to scintillate with playfulness or mellow with
sympathy, wrought great havoc with the hearts of the
Quaker lads of Haddonfield. Although many years have
flown since she tripped through the quiet streets and
lanes of the place her memory is alive there. Elderly
people still repeat what their fathers and grandfathers
once said of her, and from the glowing tributes paid to
her youthful charms it is easy to imagine that many a

*The writer thinks "Uncle" and "Aunt" Creighton are familiar
and not family endearments.

231 NEW STREET, PHILADELPHIA

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

good Quaker lad's love was laid at her shrine. * * *
In those early Haddonfield days she often took frolicsome
rides with her cousins in the mail coaches that stopped
twice daily at the tavern, driving a mile or two out on
the highway and walking home.

* * * Commodore James P. Cooper, U. S. N.,
who died in the town in 1854, aged ninety-three years,
was often her devoted attendant on these occasions and
on berrying excursions, and in later life never tired of
singing her praises. * * *

Many times during the year "Aunt Creighton" drove
to Trenton to visit friends on Queen st, generally taking
the young people with her. Those trips with her kind
aunt delighted the merry Quakeress, who with her love
of fine things, inherited no doubt from her courtly an-
cestors, the Coles and the Flemings. Wandering through
Green St., and Pinkerton alley shops and fingering the
"world's goods" she was as happy as any maiden of to-day
out for the first time on a shopping expedition.

Harriet Taylor Upton — in Our Early Presidents,
Their Wives and Children:

She was wondrously fair. Her mother, who would
not permit her to wear jewels, taught her to take care of
her complexion. She was sent to school with long gloves
on her hands and arms, a close sunbonnet and a white
linen mask on her face; in fact it is plain to see that in
many ways great attention was bestowed upon the out-
ward as well as the inward graces of the young Friend.
* * * There is in existence still belonging to this
period, a delicate gray satin Quaker gown, with elbow
sleeves and square neck worn by the young beauty —
Dolly certainly may be called a beauty.

Mr. Payne, an educated man, took celebrity as a lay
preacher or Public Friend and on the First Day in the
Meeting House removed his broad-brim and with his
eloquence moved his hearers. It still stands the Free

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Quaker Meeting House at the southwest corner of Fifth
and Mulberry streets and used for the Apprentices' Free
Library.*

John Todd, senior, was a pedagogue. He taught the
r's, and while so doing, to appease his brutal nature, ap-
plied on pretexts constant castigations. His was the
Quaker school for boys on Fourth street below Chesnut
and known as Proud's School. Robert Proud was the
early historian of Pennsylvania and his portrait is in its
Historical Society.f

Directories of Philadelphia :

1785. John Todd, Schoolmaster, corner of Fourth and

Chesnut streets.
1791 103, Chestnut.

1793 103, Chestnut.

"In that delighted land which is washed by the Dela-
ware waters" Dolly passed her budding womanhood.
"And her ear was pleased with the Thee and Thou of
the Quakers;" and for one she resigned her name for
his. However it was the paternal dictation to which she
yielded and that she had said to the proposal she "never
meant to marry."t After the formidable formalities of
the church, she and John Todd, junior, were married,
January 27, 1790. Elizabeth Collins was the bridesmaid
and Anthony Morris, the groomsman. § And on the reg-
ister the witnesses signed their names, John, James, Mary
and Alice Todd, the bridegroom's relatives; John and

* Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison:

Dolly Madison. Maud Wilder Goodwin.

^Annals of Philadelphia. John F. Watson.
Public Ledger, June 2, 1912.

XMemoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

§Statcd by descendants.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mary Payne, Lucy, Anna and Mary, the bride's relatives
and sixty others.* The bride was in her twenty-second
year and the groom in his twenty-seventh — for he was
born, November 17, 1763. The wedding was solemnized
in the Friends' Meeting-House on Pine street, since razed.
Todd practiced law and had a lucrative practice.!

The bride and groom went to housekeeping at 85
Chesnut street next to the corner of Third. The site is
now numbered 231.$

Philadelphia Directory, 1791:

John Todd, Esq., Attorney at law 85, Chesnut.

Lucy, Dolly's sister, in 1792, at the age of fifteen, mar-
ried George Steptoe Washington, a nephew, and favorite
of General Washington. George Steptoe inherited from
his father, Samuel, "Harewood," in Jefferson county,
Virginia. The father had a love for the chase — he had
for it his trained stud of horses and pack of dogs; and
his love was not confined to the chase for he had a line of
wives that did not stop until the count of five.§

Philadelphia Directory, 1791 :

*Dolly Madison. Maud Wilder Goodwin.

^Public Ledger, June 2, 1912.

JCharles Godfrey Leland : "I was born in a house on Chestnut
street, the second door below Third street, on the north side. It
had been built in the old Colonial time, and in the room in which I
first saw life there was an old chimney piece which was so remark-
able that strangers visiting the city often came to see it. * * *
It was then a boarding house kept by Mrs. Rodgers. She had
taken it from a lady who also kept it for boarders. The daughter
of this latter married President Madison. She was known as
'Dolly Madison,' famous for her grace, accomplishments and belle
humeur, of whom there are stories still current in Washington."
This is 85 Chestnut street, old numbering. A. C. C.

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

John Paine, Starch maker. 89 Elm St.*

Mr. Payne, because of inexperience in commercial mat-
ters or because of the severe stringency of the times, made
a failure. The loss consequent to the liberation of slaves
and that of the business changed affluence to dependence.
The change of circumstances made a change of spirit —
from cheer to chagrin; and a change from soundness to
sickness. He died October 24, 1792, and was buried in
the Free Quaker burial ground on Fifth street near Lo-
cust, now no more. He by will gave his wife his entire
estate and the exclusive executorship. The property was
in lands in Kentucky and Virginia. George Walker and
John Todd were the witnesses.

Mrs. Payne during her husband's life and after his
death — 1791'2'3 — was engaged in the arduous task of
keeping a boarding establishment.

Philadelphia Directory, 1793:

Mary Payne, widow, boarding house, 96 N. Third st.

The structure stands; it is 150 N. Third — present num-
bering.! It was patronized by the prominent politically
and the proprietress had social prominence. She declined
business in 1793 and lived with her daughter, Lucy.

Joseph Jackson, who has the pen of a ready writer and
can accomplish a diligent search, is the authority that
Dolly Todd lived at 231 New Street, 150 North Third
Street, and when Dolly Madison at 429 Spruce Street,
Philadelphia.

*In Public Ledger, June 2, 1912, reproduced "231 New street,
where Dolly Madison's father made starch and where she lived
when she married John Todd."

^Public Ledger, June 2, 1912.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. Todd, Dolly's husband, bought, November 23,
1791, from the estate of Jonathan Dil worth, the site
where is now 149 and 153 So. Fourth and 341 and 343
Walnut. Number 51 then, 153 now, is where John and
Dolly lived and where were born the sons, John Payne,
February 29, 1792, and William Temple in the summer of
1793; both namesakes of Dolly's brothers.

In the summer, the city was scourged with yellow fever.
The pestilence made heroes and proved cowards. Mr.
Todd was a hero.

In the Journal of Elizabeth Drinker, August 23, 1793,
is, "A fever prevails in the City * * * of ye malig-
nant kind ;" and November 2, same year, "What a favor-
able reverse, which calls for humility and thanks." Daily,
between the dates is a terrible tale.

Thomas Jefferson to James Madison

Sept. 8, 1793.

* * * The yellow fever increases. The week before
last about 3. a day died. This last week about 11. a day
have died, consequently, from known data about 33, a
day are taken, and there are about 330. patients under it.
They are much scattered through the town, and it is the
opinion of the physicians that there is no possibility of
stopping it. They agree that it is a nondescript disease,
and no two agree in any one part of their process of cure.
The Presidt goes off the day after tomorrow, as he had
always intended. Knox then takes flight. Hamilton* is
ill of the fever, as is said. He had two physicians out at
his house the night before last. His family think him in
danger, & he puts himself so by his excessive alarm. He
had been miserable several days before from a firm per-
suasion he should catch it. A man as timid as he is on the
water, as timid on horseback, as timid in sickness, would

*Alexander Hamilton.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

be a phaenomenon if his courage of which he has the repu-
tation in military occasions were genuine. His friends,
who have not seen him, suspect it is only an autumnal
fever he has. I would really go away, because I think
there is rational danger, but that I had announced that I
should not go till the beginning of October, & I do not
like to exhibit the appearance of panic. Besides that
I think there might be serious ills proceed from there
being not a single member of the administration in place.
Poor Hutcheson dined with me on Friday was sennight,
was taken that night on his return home, & died the day
before yesterday.

Mr. Todd removed his wife, at the time in a critical
condition, and the two sons to Gray's Ferry, a rural
pleasure place on the Schuylkill's banks. He left her
with the promise of returning and leaving her no more
until the exigency expired. He, in the city, did for his
clients what required immediate doing; and, in the city,
he found his father and mother victims of the epidemic.
Both parents died* and John Todd, the father, made a
will making his sons John and James and Samuel Jones,
executors, in which he bequeathed to his son John five
hundred pounds ; to his grandsons, John Payne and Wil-
liam Temple Todd, fifty pounds each; his silver watch
to his son, John, in trust for John Payne or in case of
his death, for William Temple; the residue of the estate
to his five grandchildren.

Mr. Todd on his return bore with him the diead dis-
ease. At the threshold, he to Dolly's mother said: "I
feel the fever in my veins, but I must see her once
more."f In a few hours he was dead — "a martyr to
professional duty." In the embrace was contamination.

*In the Journal of Elizabeth Drinker the father's death is re-
ported October 3 ; the mother's October 12.
^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The younger child died and Dolly recovered. Mr. Todd
died October 24, 1793. He by a will in sentimental and
sermonical sentencing gave his widow an estate of value.
Appendix A.

Philadelphia directories :

1793. John Todd, jun. Esq. attorney at law 51 So
Fourth St.

1794. Dorothy Todd, widow, 51 So. Fourth St.

Twenty-five and a widow! Not her fault surely and
surely she felt her fascination. The sympathy, the pro-
tection, the admiration, the adoration and all that from
the hypnotized men a widow has. Any widow that — but
Dolly was so charm ful, so youthful — no wonder her
friend bid "Hide thy face — there are so many staring
at thee"; and so good to see that ''gentlemen would sta-
tion themselves where they might see her pass."

Among Dolly's acquaintances was the New York Sen-
ator, Aaron Burr, of reputation — irresistible to the sex of
skirts and no wise self-restrictive of his irresistibility. Of
Burr, Madison solicited a meeting with the pretty widow.
She writes to her confidante, Mrs. Lee, she who was
Elizabeth Collins, 1794:

Thou must come to me, — Aaron Burr says that the
great little Madison has asked to be brought to see me
this evening.

The rumor of an engagement soon reached the Exe-
cutive Mansion; it did not have to travel fast as from
Dolly's house it was only several blocks distant ; definitely,
the mansion was on Market street near Sixth. Mrs.
Washington from the privilege of station or the standing
of relationship — the Payne and Washington families hav-

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ing intermarried — she exercised feminine curiosity and
arrogance of advice. The inquisitor paid deference to
Dolly's sect in the use of its peculiar personal pronouns ;
or whoever made the report, made it that way :

Mrs. Washington: "Dolly, is it true that you are en-
gaged to James Madison?"

Dolly: "No; I think not."

Mrs. W. : "If it is so, do not be ashamed to confess it;
rather be proud; he will make thee a good husband,
and all the better for being so much older. We both
approve of it; the esteem and friendship existing be-
tween Mr. Madison and my husband is very great, and
we would wish thee to be happy."*

The fragments of a love letter in the courtship days!
Dolly had visited her people in the scenes of her child-
hood. At Fredericksburg, on the way to her sister,
Lucy, she wrote to the aspirant an encouraging note — it
had an endearing stile. Of Mr. Madison's letter, in turn,
words are lost in the folds of the three part pages pre-
served.!

Orange Aug: 18. 94: I recd some days ago your pre-
cious favor from Freds. I cannot exprefs, but hope you
will conceive the joy it gave me. The delay in hearing of
your leaving Hanover which I regarded as the only satis-
factory proof of your recovery, had filled me with ex-
treme * * * inquietude, and the consummation of
that welcome event was endeared to me by the stile in
which it was conveyed. I hope you will never have an-
other deliberation on that subject. If the sentiments of

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

fin the handwriting of Mrs. Madison — ''Part of a letter from
Mr Madison to Mrs Todd Aug: 18. 1794"

150 N. THIRD STREET, PHILADELPHIA

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

my heart can guarantee those of yours, they assure me
there can never be a cause for it.

Mr. Madison's letter says that he is indefinitely de-
tained by the illness of a foreigner with whom he was to
travel. He says that it is cruel he should be obliged to
mingle with the delicious hopes imparted by her letter,
the painful apprehensions of delay; that the adverse in-
cident is the more mortifying as he had spared no efforts
and made some sacrifices to meet her. And he hopes that
the unavoidable delay will not extend its influence to the
epoch in which he is to repeat the claim of which she is
apprised.

Suits in love should not,
Like suits in law, be rock'd from term to term.

Madison was a lawyer ; he knew the reason and result
of dilatory tactics in law suits ; he sought a speedy deci-
sion in his love suit. He that called a-wooing was much
a man, with a tongue for persuasion, but it is a fact that
Dolly hesitated and, perhaps better to take the issue under
advisement, retired to quietude. Mrs. Dolly Todd with
her infant and younger sister, Anna, visited her sister
Lucy, and her husband, George Steptoe Washington, at
their estate, Harewood, in the vicinity of Charlestown,
West Virginia. From there she addressed a letter to
Mr. Wilkins, her counsel at Philadelphia, seeking advice.
This law-learned gentleman with the alliterative name
was on the most friendly relation with the widow. His
penmanship was almost perfect, however his habit of
slightly enlarging the first letter of the word sometimes
makes it difficult to decide if a capital is intended. Mr.
Wilkins had his office at 119 S. Second Street, original
numbering.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

M" Dolley P. Todd
particular Care of Martinsburg
Geo. Washington Jim. Esq Virginia.

Philadelphia August 22nd 1794.

I will not delay a moment my ever dear and valued
friend to reply to your last interesting Epistle. Flattered
as I am by your Condescension in consulting me on this
important Occasion and truly and disinterestedly solicit-
ous for your Welfare — the Task I undertake is far from
being a painful one. As your friend I feel not the least
Hesitation in forming my Opinion — ought I then feel
any reluctance in communicating it?

Mr M — n is a man whom I admire. I know his attach-
ment to you and did not therefore content myself with
taking his Character from the Breath of popular applause
— but consulted those who knew him intimately in private
Life. His private Character therefore I have every
reason to believe is good and amiable. He unites to the
great Talents which have secured his public Approbation
those engaging Qualities that contribute so highly to
domestic Felicity. To such a man therefore I do most
freely consent that my beloved sister be united and happy.

Yes my dear and amiable Julia you have my fullest
and freest Approbation of the Step you are about to take.
No Wish is dearer to my Heart than your Happiness &
Heaven is my Witness that nothing is less selfish than my
Attachment to you. That I have not been insensible to
your Charms ought not I think to be regarded as a Fault
— few perfons in similar Situations would not have felt
their irresistible Influence; but none I will venture to say
could have mingled in their Emotions more true Respect
and more Fraternal Affection than I have.

With respect to the Settlement on your Son I will give
you my sentiments frankly. You are placed in a critical
situation in this Affair — the Eyes of the World are upon
you and your Enemies have already opened their Mouths
to censure and condemn you. I hope you will disappoint
them — I believe you will now be just — for you have hith-

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

erto always been generous. I must confefs I conceive it
to be your duty to make some Settlement upon him and I
know you too well to doubt your Inclination to do it.
The only Question can be to what Amount and in what
Manner shall this Settlement be made.

Mr M n is as I am informed a man of genteel tho

not of large property. He has a right to expect some
part but does not want the whole of your Estate. I
would suggest therefore that your House and Stables
situate in Fourth Street be previously to your marriage
conveyed to Trustees in Trust to receive the Rents Ifsues
and profits during the Minority of your Son and apply
the same first to discharge the Sum of £350 with the In-
terest (being the remaining sum due of the purchase
money & which ought to be regarded as an encumbrance
on the premises) & in the second place to the support &
Education of your Son stipulating if you please that for
this purpose the payments of the proceeds be made to
your future Husband and yourself as it is to be presumed
your son will always remain under your joint Care and
Protection) and in trust farther to convey the premises
to your Son in fee simple upon his arriving at the Age of
twenty one years but if he should die before he attains
that Age to convey to yourself and your Heirs.

Your Son as a residuary Legatee of his Grand Father
will be entitled to something — but the Amount of the
Legacy is wholly uncertain. The provision which I have
mentioned will in your Circumstances be a generous one
— I only fear it will be thought unreasonably great. But
those who know Julia as well as I do will look for Con-
duct at once maternally affectionate and exactedly boun-
tiful.

If I have given my Opinion with too much freedom —
I earnestly solicit your pardon. I am sensible that
neither Age or Wisdom or Relationship authorize me to
advise — but your own Command has opened my Lips and
Friendship bids me be sincere. With the truest Wishes
for your Happinefs I am my dear Julia ever & affection-

ately y°UTS Wm. W. Wilkins

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

My respects to Mrs Payne. Hallowell informs me
that he considered himself obliged to pay the money to
Isaac & has paid it to his Order. Compliments to Mifs
Anna. I must beg her pardon for detaining these Letters
so long in my pofsef sion as I expected daily to hear from
you. I wished to dispatch in one packet. I shall attend
as usual to your affairs till my power is revoked.

■

Mr. Wilkins' advice was acceptable and upon it she
acted and likely would have acted the same had it been
adverse for in the words of General Washington :

For my own part, I never did nor do I believe I ever
shall give advice to a woman who is setting out on a mat-
rimonial voyage. First, because I never could advise one
to marry without her own consent ; and, secondly, because
I know it is to no purpose to advise her to refrain when
she has obtained it. A woman rarely asks an opinion, or
requires advice on such an occasion, till her resolution is
formed, and then it is with the hope and expectation of
obtaining a sanction, not that she means to be governed
by your disapprobation, that she applies.

As said Mr. Wilkins' advice was acceptable for Mrs.
Todd acted upon it in advance of receiving it; however,
that is in advance of the story. Mr. Madison tells it him-
self to his father.

Hare wood October 5, 1794
Dear & Hond Sir

I have detained Sam by whom I send this so much
longer than I intended & you expected that many apolo-
gies are due for the liberty. I hope it will be a sufficient
one that I found him indispensable for a variety of little
services, which I did not particularly take into view before
I left Orange. There he can himself explain and I there-
fore leave the task to him; proceeding to the history of
what relates to myself. On my arrival here I was able to

153 S. FOURTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

urge so many conveniences in hastening the event which
I solicited that it took place on the 15th ult; on the
friday following we set out accompanied by Mifs A.
Payne, and Mifs Harriot Washington, on a visit to my
sister Hite, when we arrived the next day, having stopped
a night at Winchester with Mr. Bailmain. We had been
a day or two only at Mr. Hites, before a slight indisposi-
tion which my wife had felt for several days, ended in a
regular ague & fever. The fits tho' succeeded by com-
pleat intermifsions were so severe that I thought it pru-
dent to call in a Physician from Winchester. Docr
Mackay not being in the way Doc1" Baldwin attended,
and by a decisive administration of the Bark soon expelled
the complaint. She has since recovered very fast & I
hope notwithstanding a slight indisposition this morning
which may be the effect of fatigue & change of weather,
that no return is in the least to be apprehended. We left
Mr. Hites the day before yesterday. Our time was passed
there with great pleasure on our side, and I hope with not
lefs on the other. Our departure however was embit-
tered by the loss sustained the night preceeding by my
sister which you will have an account of from Mr H. by
this opportunity. In 8 or 10 days we expect to set out
for Philad3 — your daughter in law begs you and my
mother to accept her best and most respectful affections,
which she means to express herself by an early opportu-
nity. She wishes Fanny also be sensible of the pleasure
with which a correspondence with her would be carried
on. * * *

I remain your affecte son

Js. Madison Jr

Mr. Madison and Mrs. Todd were married at Hare-
wood, Monday, September 15, 1794. Rev. Dr. Bal-
maine, a Madison connection, by marriage, officiated.*
The groom was forty-three ; the bride twenty-six.
The fair biographers have failed to make a wedding

*Dolly Madison. Maud Wilder Goodwin.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

costume for the bride; but to the groom gave ruffles
of Mechlin lace for the bridesmaids to cut up into
charms.* They had their honeymoon at Harewood
with her people, and their wedding trip to his people,
and, as he says, with great pleasure on his side and
the hope of not less on her's.

It was the season when the summer sun yet shines
strong and nature is thinking of the brighter vest-
ments of autumn. The twittering of the birds, the
humming of the insects, the lullaby of the leaves were
the chorus of the beating of happiness in the newly
intertwined hearts. We might say more of this — but
Mr. and Mrs. Madison, themselves, had to hurry from
the country to the city — the city of Philadelphia —
the former for Congressional duties; the latter for
social life. Society was in high feather in 1794, and
Dolly Madison came to be the most graceful plume.
The chief social channel was the assemblies at Oeller's
tavern on Chestnut Street.f The rules of the dance
were severe, for instance the 10th:

No gentleman admitible in boots, colored stocking, or
undress.*

The Madisons took the house 115 Spruce Street,
between Fourth and Fifth, now numbered 429. J

Mr. White was from Virginia a Delegate in the
Continental Congress and a Representative in Con-
gress. For eloquence and patriotism he was distin-
guished. His staunch support of the situation on the
Potomac turned the legislative tide. And he was of

*Dolly Madison. Maud Wilder Goodwin.

fjames Oeller's place was on the south side of Chestnut, west
of Sixth and immediately west of the Circus. Pictured in Public
Ledger, October 12, 1913.

^Directory of Philadelphia, 1795.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the Commissioners in charge of the foundation affairs
of the government's city.

Woodville 2d Nov. 1794
Dear Sir

Your pa f sing through this Country without giving
me the pleasure of seeing you was no small disappoint-
ment, and having some acquaintance with the amiable
Lady to whom you are now united. My disappointment
was not lef sened from that circumstance — I requested Mr
Bailmain not only to make known our wishes, but to let
us know when you came to Town, that Mrs. White and
myself might have waited on you and Mrs Madison, but
he says the shortnefs of your stay there, did not permit
him to comply with my request

* * *

Dear Sir

Your most Ob Serv

Alex White

Rev. James Madison had the distinction of being
the second cousin to James Madison, the first Bishop
of Virginia and President of the William and Mary
College.

Williamsburg

Nov. 12h 1794

My Dear Sir,

I cannot refrain sending you my sincere congratula-
tions, upon an Event which promises you so much Hap-
piness. It was my Intention to have paid you a short
Visit, in September, upon my Return from the Moun-
tains, but heard, when in your Neighbourhood, that you
were from Home, & engaged in the pursuit, which
terminated so agreeably to yourself, & I trust also, to the
amiable Partner whom you have Selected. Present her

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

too, if you please, with my Congratulations & ardent
wishes for your mutual Happiness. —

* * *

With the most sincere Esteem, I am D Sir,

Yr Friend,

J Madison

To James Monroe

Philada, Dec 4, 1794.

Dear Sir

* * *

Present my best respects to Mrs. Monroe and Eliza,
and tell them I shall be able on their return to present
them with a new acquaintance who is prepared by my
representations to receive them with all the affection they
merit, & who I flatter myself will be entitled to theirs.
The event which puts this in my power took place on the
15th of Septr. We are at present inhabitants of the
House which you occupied last winter & shall continue
in it during the session.*

Horatio Gates was an English- American soldier. The
visitor to the Capitol at Washington sees him there with
repressed smile and smart regimentals in the role of con-
queror receiving from Burgoyne the emblem of surren-
der.

New York 27th December 1794.

My dear Sir

Permit me thus late to present to you, & Mrs Madison,
mine, & my Marys Compliments of Congratulation; and
to wish ye both every Earthly Felicity; make us also

*Thc Writings of James Madison. Gaillard Hunt.
28

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

happy by saying you will both pay a Vifsit to Rose Hill

next Summer;

* * *

* * * with Marys and My Most respectful Compli-
ments to Mrs Maddison, I am

My dear Sir

Your faith full

Humble Servant,

Horatio Gates : —

The appeal of Jefferson to Madison, his near neighbor,
close friend and political legatee not to desert the steering
of the ship of state for fear that it might be dashed to
destruction, a fear that seems to be constant with the
statesmen, has with it the gift of prophecy :

Monticello, Dec. 28. 1794.

* * * Hold on then, my dear friend, that we may
not shipwreck in the meanwhile. I do not see, in the
minds of those with whom I converse, a greater affliction
than the fear of your retirement; but this must not be,
unless to a more splendid & a more efficacious post.
There I should rejoice to see you, I hope I may say, I
shall rejoice to see you. I have long had much in my
mind to say to you on that subject. But double delica-
cies have kept me silent.

* # *

Present me respectfully to Mrs. Madison, and pray her
to keep you where you are for her own satisfaction and
the public good, and accept the cordial affections of us
all. Adieu.

Mrs. Madison's matrimonial joy was dimmed by fra-
ternal bereavement.

Journal of Elizabeth Drinker :

1795, January 5. I heard this evening of the death of
two of Molly Payne's sons, Temple and Isaac — the latter

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

offended a man in Virginia, who sometime afterward
shot him with a pistol.

Congress adjourned March 3, 1795. A journey was
made. The journey over the wide waters was by ferry.
All the overland by stage. The roads were rutted. The
ride was rough. The weather was mild. On the route
were settlements, thick and thin, and widely separated.
The route was mostly through virgin forests and pristine
nature. From Philadelphia was the start, then came
Chester, then Wilmington, then Elkton and then across
the broad Susquehanna at Havre de Grace where "the
scenery is grand and picturesque" and then the consider-
able Baltimore, then thrifty George Town, and then
across the Potomac from where were vistaed the incom-
plete President's Palace and the Capitol in the embryonic
city for the nation, then Mount Vernon and then down
and up the valley sides and over the mountain tops to
Charlottesville and then the destination, the Madison
mansion, Montpellier. The journey was six or seven
days. The way was not new to Mr. Madison and to
Dolly it was not entirely new. A new experience con-
fronts Dolly. Anticipated with pleasure and too, with
timidity — the welcome. The venerable father and mother
and the sweet sister await the addition to themselves
and so do the black visaged with wide eyes and laughing,
the coming. The welcome is not to be worded. Dolly
is installed as mistress of Montpellier.

Philip Freneau at the College of New Jersey (Prince-
ton) was the room mate of James Madison and there he
wrote the Poetical History of the Prophet Jonah. "The
Poet of the Revolution" had like the others his own code
of capitalization and punctuation and put down his wife
with a small f.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Monmouth, May 20th 1795. —
My respected friend,

5)C 3ft 3|C

The public papers some time ago announced your mar-
riage. I wish you all possible happinefs with the lady
whom you chofen for your companion through life — Mrs
freneau joins me in the same, and defires me to prefent
her beft refpects to your lady and yourself — and should
you ever take an excurfion to thefe parts of Jerfey we
will endeavor to give Mrs Madison and yourself — "if not
a coftly welcome, yet a kind." —
I am, Sir,

with great efteem

Your friend and humble Serv*

Philip Freneau,

That the laudation given Mrs. Madison was not at-
tributable to prestige of position is proven by the letter
of the elder Adams to his Mrs. Adams :

Philadelphia, 27 February. 1796.

My Dearest Friend,

I Dined yesterday with Mr. Madison. Mrs. Madison
is a fine woman, and his two sisters are equally so. One
of them is married to George Washington, one of the
nephews of the President who were sometimes at our
house. Mr. Washington came and civilly inquired after
your health. These ladies, whose name was Payne, are
of a Quaker family, once of North Carolina.

Mr. Madison retired from Congress, March 4, 1797.

Of the Madisons, the neighborly qualities, are shown
by the fruits and besides — the thought of the table wants
of their neighbors, the Monroes, thirty miles away.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Madison to Monroe.

Feby 5, 1798.
* * *

Calling to mind the difficulty you may experience from
the general failure of the potato crop last year, I beg you
to accept by the bearer a couple of bushels, which may
furnish the seed for your garden, if nothing more. Mrs.
Madison insists on adding for Mrs. Monroe a few pickles
and preserves, with half a dozen bottles of gooseberries
and a bag of dried cherries, which will not be wanted by
us until another season will afford a supply, and which
the time of your return home must have deprived her of,
as the fruit of the last season. We both wish we could
substitute something more worthy of acceptance.*

John George Jackson, March 14, 1799, from Clarks-
burg, Virginia, wrote to Mr. Madison and enclosed a
letter to Miss Polly Paine — Mrs. Madison's youngest sis-
ter, Mary. The next year, Polly was Mrs. Jackson.

In completeness the first biography is that of Lucia
Beverly Cutts, a grand-niece, anonymously, called the
Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison. To the work
she brought ability and to that the affection of kinship.
With like literary ability Maud Wilder Goodwin has in
her tersely-titled Dolly Madison given her life; and in the
work has been diligent with the dragnet of research to a
degree not to be overstated. These works that have pre-
ceded have made this possible.

The will of Mrs. Payne, the mother, was admitted to
probate by Mrs. Madison proving the handwriting. John
Todd who prepared the will had died, and at the time of
probate, January, 1796, George Walker, the living wit-

*Letters and Oilier Writings of James Madison.
32

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ness, was residing in the city of Washington. He was
its earliest promoter. Indeed the Federal City in its per-
fection of plan and magnificence in extent was his con-
ception.

Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser, Saturday, April
9, 1791 :

We hear, that the proprietors of the land between
Rock-Creek and the Tyber river, have, with much credit
to themselves, made a donation of some lots in the pro-
posed Federal City, to Mr. George Walker, which they
rather consider a small tribute to genius and merit, than
an adequate reward for the first projector of the magni-
ficent plan now in contemplation and attended with every
favorable prospect of being fully accomplished.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

CHAPTER II

1800-1808

IN THE beginning thus begins The Book. In the be-
ginning begins the account of the creation. In the
beginning is an apt phrase to introduce the first step
in a story. The beginning of the story of the city — the
city culled out for the nation — is interesting; is more in-
teresting than the after chapters — the chapters that carry
the narration of maturer growth. The beginning is the
most important in the development as the bent twig in-
clines the tree. The story of the beginning of the city is
a story of society. The little knots of society were widely
scattered before the removal of the government from
Philadelphia to Washington and on the removal — and
years thereafter — society's habitations were as distantly
apart although not so sparse. But, the appropriate date
to be given the beginning is the time of that removal.

Mrs. Madison came to the city in 1801 and went from
it by death in 1849 — roundly, half a century, exactly
forty-eight years and three months. She did not live in
the city continuously yet continuously was in close touch
with it. The story of the city and the story of Mrs.
Madison are closely interwoven — the threads of each are
the warp and woof of the fabric, rather, the parts of the
same story. The social set which gave impetus to the
city's progress had the Madisons, particularly Mrs. Mad-
ison and her associates. These associates, all entertaining
characters, fit into her life and it is fitting that their parts

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

in the social doings and all other local affairs should be
touched upon. The facts disclosed may cause the reader
the reflection that "of a good beginning cometh a good
end" and that the city in the beginning had such strong
characters is consequent its fortunate consummations.

From the time the site was selected to the time of the
removal of government was a decade. Much had been
done in the meantime in laying out streets, putting up
private residences and public buildings. Much more
might have been done. Much more was needed. The
failure may have been consequent upon limited facilities
and funds. Mrs. Adams, the President's wife, referring
to the discomforts at the Castle from the lack of every-
thing of convenience makes disparaging comparison with
Yankee activity.

Phil 20 Jany 1800
DrSir

I am not authorized to say, but I am sure it will give
the Pres* & Mrs Adams great satisfaction, if you will
plan, & cause to be executed, something like a garden, at
the North side of the President's House.

That large, naked, ugly looking building will be a very
inconvenient residence for a Family, without something
of this kind is done at once. You have seen Binghams
garden in Phila. — I mean something like that, to be en-
closed with open railing. The ground should not be
levelled — but Trees should be planted at once, so as to
make it an agreeable place to walk in, even this summer.

I do not think the Comrs have sufficiently attended to
the accomodation of the Pres* — a private gentn prepar-
ing a residence for his Friend, would have done more
than has been done. Would you not be ashamed to con-
duct the Prest to the House without there being an en-
closure of any kind about it. Is there a stable — a car-
riage House — too is necessary. * * *

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

This attention to the Prest is so proper, that no doubt
your colleagues will immediately adopt the ideas you sug-
gest on the subject. I should be glad to have an oppy of
informing the Prest what is doing for his accomodation.
Remember, that he will want his House in June —

I am D Sr — Yrs very sincerely

Ben Stoddert

Mr. Stoddert, the Secretary of the Navy, was no stran-
ger to the section. He was a citizen of George Town
which offered itself as a ready built city for the nation's
city. He resided in the mansion, 3400 Prospect avenue.
He was an original proprietor. The letter of Mr. Stod-
dert was to Dr. Thornton. He was one of the three city
commissioners. It was written to him because he was
an architect and a genius at drawing and a genius gen-
erally.

Mrs. Thornton's Diary :

(1800, January) Thursday 30th After dinner D>"

T began a letter to Mr Stoddert Secretary of the

Navy, in answer to one from him requesting him to in-
duce his Colleagues to lay out a garden & other necessary
out Offices to the President's House. — This is a difficult
work without they had large funds to make every thing
to accord with the Building.

Friday 31st JanY Dr T wrote his letter to Mr

Stoddert and enclosed a ground plan of the President's
House, of which I made a Copy before he sent it.

Mrs. Adams to Mrs. William Smith

Washington,

Nov. 21st, 1800.

My dear Sister : —

* * *

I sit out early intending to make my 36 miles, if pos-
sible ; no travelling, however, but by day-light. We took

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

a direction, as we supposed right, but in the first turn
went wrong, and were wandering more than two hours
in the. woods in different paths, holding down and break-
ing bows of trees which we could not pass, until we met
a solitary black fellow with a horse and cart. We in-
quired of him the way and he kindly offered to conduct
us, which he did two miles, and then gave us such a clue
as led us to the post-road and the Inn where we got some
dinner.

I arrived about one o'clock at this place, known by the
name of the City, and the name is all that you can call so,
as I expected to find it a new country with houses scat-
tered over a space of ten miles, and trees and stumps in
plenty with a castle of a house — so I found it — the Pres-
ident's house is in a beautifull situation in front of which
is the Potomac with a view of Alexandria — the country
around is romantic, but a wild and wilderness at present.
I have been to Georgetown and felt all that Mrs. Cranch
described when she was a resident there. It is the very
dirtiest hole I ever saw for a place of any trade, or re-
spectability of inhabitants. It is only one mile from me,
but a quagmire after every rain. Here we are obliged to
send daily for marketting. The Capitol is near two miles
from us. As to roads we shall make them by the fre-
quent passing before winter, but I am determined to be
satisfied and content, to say nothing of inconvenience,
etc. That must be a worse place than even Georgetown,
that I could not reside in for three months.
* * *

I have the pleasure to say we are all at present well,
tho the Newspapers very kindly gave the President the
Ague and fever. I am rejoiced that it was only in the
paper that he had it. This day the President meets the
two houses to deliver the speech. There has not been a
House until yesterday. We have had some very cold
weather and we feel it keenly. This house is twice as
large as our meeting house. I believe the great Hall is
as big. I am sure it is twice as long. Cut your coat
according to your cloth — but this house is built for ages

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

to come — the establishment necessary is a tax which can-
not be born by the present salary — nobody can form an
idea of it but those who come into it. I had much rather
live in the house at Philadelphia — not one room or cham-
ber is finished of the whole. It is habitable by fires in
every part, thirteen of which we are obliged to keep daily.
or sleep in wet and damp places.

Yours as ever,

A. A.

The discomforts connected with the Federal City with
others was those of travel. The journey from Phila-
delphia has been unexaggeratedly told by Isaac Weld,
junior, November, 1795 in Travels through the States of
North America and by Thomas Twining April, 1796 in
Travels in America ioo Years Ago.

Margaret Bayard and Samuel Harrison Smith were
already second cousins when in Philadelphia, September
29, 1800, they became bride and groom. Their wedding
tour was the journey to their new home. At first they
did not keep house.

Mrs. Thornton's Diary:

(1800 October) Friday 24th— * * * After din-
ner we went to the Capitol, called on Mr & Mrs Smith at
Stell's tavern.*

Mr. Smith was a newspaper pioneer. In Philadelphia
he published a daily and evening paper under the title
New World. Newspaper literature was more expensive
then and newspaper reading less general. The two
months' trial proved the financial futility and even as a

*Stelle's tavern at this date was at the corner of A street and
New Jersey avenue, S.E.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

once-daily the paper was a failure. From John Oswald
he purchased a newspaper and under a new title Universal
Gazette he published it weekly; he transferred that jour-
nalistic enterprise. In Washington, he established the
National Intelligencer, October 31, 1800, of long life. It
was announced at the birth :

But while the editor classes with our dearest rights
the liberty of the press, he is decidedly inimical to its
licentiousness. As, on the one hand, the conduct of pub-
lic men and the tendency of public measures will be freely
examined, so, on the other hand, private character will
remain inviolable, nor shall indelicate expressions admit-
ted, however disguised by satire or enlivened by wit.

This principle preached was practiced and for it the
proprietor secured the sobriquet "Silky, Milky Smith."

Mrs. Smith was of unusual literary talent, and by mag-
azine articles and in the guise of fiction, concurrently
preserved what went on the primitive days, and the most
interesting historically of the Federal City. Her letters
less studied and all the more entertaining by their spon-
taneity, ably edited by the litterateur, Gaillard Hunt,
under title Forty Years of Washington Society, are like
unto a delightful wandering into a luxuriant tangle of
gossip, philosophy, politics, autobiography, history and
every other literary growth. The primary sketch of
Mrs. Madison is that of Mrs. Smith and that is how Mrs.
Madison would have it for late in life she acknowledged
to the authoress:

I * * * can assure you that if a Biographical
sketch must be taken, its accomplishment by your pen
would be more agreeable to me than by any other to
which such a task could be committed, being persuaded

Q
O

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

not only of its competency, but of the just dispositions by
which it would be guided.

Mrs. Smith's descriptions are true and her conclusions
fair, for in parallel accounts, by eminent writers there is
close correspondence.*

Margaret Bayard Smith says :f

The infant metropolis of the union was at that time
almost a wilderness. The president's house stood unen-
closed on a piece of waste and barren ground, separated
from the capitol by an almost impassable marsh. That
building was not half completed, and standing as it did
amidst the rough masses of stone and other materials
collected for its construction, and half hidden by the ven-
erable oaks that still shaded their native soil, looked more
like a ruin in the midst of its fallen fragments and coeval
shades, than a new and rising edifice. The silence and
solitude of the surrounding space were calculated to en-
force this idea, for beyond the capitol-hill, far as the eye
could reach, the city as it was called, lay in a state of
nature, covered with thick groves and forest trees, wide
and verdant plains, with only here and there a house
along the intersecting ways, that could not yet be prop-
erly called streets.

The original proprietors of the grounds on which the
city was located retained their rural residences and their
habits of living. The new inhabitants, who thronged
to the seat of government came from every quarter of the
union, bringing with them the modes and customs of their
respective states. Mr. Madison from Virginia, Mr. Gal-
latin from Pennsylvania, General Dearborn from Massa-
chusetts, and Robert Smith from Maryland, were the

*Biographical sketch and portrait of Mrs. Smith in Forty Years
of Washington Society.

^Mrs. Madison. National Portrait Gallery. Herring and Long-
acre, 1836.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

heads of the several departments of government. With
these came numerous political friends and dependants to
fill the subordinate places in the public offices.

Albert Gallatin to Mrs. Gallatin made this pessimistic
picture of what he subsequently called "this hateful
place."

Washington City, 15th January, 1801.

* * * Our local situation is far from being pleasant
or even convenient. Around the Capitol are seven or
eight boarding-houses, one tailor, one shoemaker, one
printer, a washing-woman, a grocery shop, a pamphlets
and stationery shop, a small dry goods shop, and an oyster
house. This makes the whole of the Federal City as con-
nected with the Capitol. At the distance of three-fourths
of a mile, on or near the Eastern Branch, lie scattered the
habitations of Mr. Law and of Mr. Carroll, the principal
proprietaries of the ground, half a dozen houses, a very
large, but perfectly empty warehouse, and a wharf graced
by not a single vessel. And this makes the whole in-
tended commercial part of the city, unless we include in
it what is called the Twenty Buildings, being so many
unfinished houses commenced by Morris and Nicholson,
and perhaps as many undertaken by Greenleaf, both
which groups lie, at a distance of half-mile from each
other, near the mouth of the Eastern Branch and the
Potowmack, and are divided by a large swamp from the
Capitol Hill and the little village connected with it. Tak-
ing a contrary direction from the Capitol towards the
President's house, the same swamp intervenes, and a
straight causeway, which measures one mile and half and
seventeen perches, forms the communication between the
two buildings. A small stream, about the size of the
largest of the two runs between Clare's and our house,
and decorated with the pompous appellation of "Tyber,"
feeds without draining the swamps, and along that cause-
way (called the Pennsylvania Avenue), between the Cap-

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

itol and the President's House, not a single house inter-
venes or can intervene without devoting its wretched
tenant to perpetual fevers. From the President's House
to Georgetown the distance is not quite a mile and a half,
the ground is high and level ; the public offices and from
fifty to one hundred good houses are finished; the Pres-
ident's House is a very elegant building, and this part of
the city on account of its natural situation, of its vicinity
to Georgetown, with which it communicates over Rock
Creek by two bridges, and by the concourse of people
drawn by having business with the public offices, will im-
prove considerably and may within a short time form a
town equal in size and population to Lancaster or An-
napolis.

Dr. Thornton was always on the alert to do hospitality.
And his kind disposition and enthusiastic nature included
a partiality to everything that was connected with the city
of Washington even its climate.

City of Washington 16th March 1801
Dear Sir

I had expected, with more satisfaction & pleasure than
I can exprefs, your arrival in this city, when I heard of
your late afflictive lofs, in which I sincerely sympathize.
I also lament on another account your detention in Vir-
ginia.— The President, whose tender regard for you
makes him always speak with an uncommon degree of
Interest for your welfare, informed me that you had long
experienced delicate Health, and he even feared a change
of climate might finally be requisite. — I do not think I
ever enjoyed such Health as since my residence in this
place, and I sincerely hope that this Change from your
present situation may be so favorable, that you will have
cause to pronounce it one of the healthiest places in the

world. * * *

* * *

We are anxiously looking for you, and I take the liberty
of requesting you to make my House your Home on your

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

arrival. If you should like our plain mode of living I
shall rejoice exceedingly in your stay; if not, I will leave
nothing undone to endeavour to obtain better accommo-
dations for one whom I so sincerely regard. — We hope
Mrs Madison will be with you, & we request you will
present to her the joint compliments and good wishes of
my Family

and accept
dear Sir,

the regard & esteem of

your respectful and sincere Friend,

William Thornton

James Madison Esqre.

Because of the death of Madison's father at Mont-
pellier, the Madisons were not present at the inaugura-
tion. They came in the spring (1801). The Madisons
were the guests of the President while they furnished a
house.

Mrs. Smith, May 26th, 1801, writes:

Mrs. Madison is at the President's at present. Mrs.
Gallatin is in our neighborhood at present. The house
Mr. G. has taken is next door to the Madisons' and three
miles distant from us.

The Smiths lived on New Jersey Avenue in a row now
The Varnum. The Madisons rented one of the Six

Buildings.*

*Mr. Madison's landlord was the firm, Jonah Thompson and
Richard Veitch, merchants of Alexandria, Va. They owned (pres-
ent numbering) 2113, 2109 and 2107 Pennsylvania avenue; from
Georgetown, the third, fifth and sixth houses of the row. The
sixth house was occupied by Benjamin Stoddert and used as the
Navy Office. The Madisons likely lived in No. 2113.

3
>

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Smith's initial mention of Mrs. Madison is :

May 20, 1801.

I have become acquainted with and am highly pleased
with her; she has good humour and sprightliness, united
to the most affable and agreeable manners.

And on the morrow :

Since I last wrote I have formed quite a social ac-
quaintance with Mrs. Madison and her sister; indeed it
is impossible for an acquaintance with them to be dif-
ferent.

On the twenty-fifth Independence Day, at the Nation's
City, President Jefferson contributed with his cordiality,
good cheer, to the company "which separated about 2
o'clock and betook themselves to the various places of
entertainment provided for the celebration of the day."
The citizens who were too kind spirited to slight any
entertainer must have been at least loaded with patri-
otism. Mrs. Madison did not go for it was a man's affair
but the Secretary of State did as likewise M. Pichon,
Charge d'Affaires of the French republic, the govern-
ment dignitaries and "strangers of distinction." If Mrs.
Madison had attended she would have seen the handsome
Captain Tingey, as he sang to the accompaniment of the
Marine Band, Thomas Law's song composed for the day
with variations from Joseph Hopkinson :

Hail Columbia, happy land

Hail ye patriots, heaven born band.

And in the Captain's finishing burst of melody :

Firm united let us be
Rallying round our liberty,
As a band of brothers join'd
Peace and safety we shall find.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

she would have added to the "loud plaudits" the Captain
received. This celebration of those of the day was held
at the hostelry of McMunn and Conrad, (The Varnum)
and began at 4 o'clock P.M.*

City of Washington 15th Augst 1801. —

My dear Friend

* * * I accordingly turned my attention to Mr Vofs's
House, next door to the one I occupy, but was afraid we
should not agree. We have however concluded, but I
was under the necefsity of infringing one of the rules not
really specified but strongly hinted in your Letter. I
was obliged to agree to an advance of the rent on your
entering the House, but laid him under a penalty of 1000
Dolls. if the Houfe should not be finished by the 1st of
Oct1". — * * * The Cellar I have directed to be di-
vided, that one may serve for wine &c, the other for
coals, &c — and for security against Fire a cupola on the
roof, which will add to the House in other respects.
* * *

I who lately was nothing lefs than a Commifsioner or
Edile, am now reduced to a High-way man — you will
remember we are engaged in making Highways. — The
City improves rapidly. —

I am, dear Sir, with best compliments to the Ladies of
your Family, your respectful & affectionate Friend

William Thornton —
James Madison Esqre.

The annexed letter was directed to Montpellier.

The Madisons located in Mr. Voss's house on F be-
tween Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets and there re-
mained the entire terms of his Secretaryship. When
first numbered it was 244 F street; the site is now the
Adams Building and is numbered 1333. John Quincy

*National Intelligencer, July 6, 1801.
46

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Adams latterly owned and occupied the house and it be-
came known as the Adams House.

Mrs. Kate Kearney Henry says :

I may add that my grandfather, Richard Forrest,
built and lived at what is now called the Ebbitt House,
and the Madisons and Adams' were their opposite neigh-
bors for many years.

Mr. Madison spent freely and entertained open-hand-
edly. He had costly service, choice things to eat and
imported vintages to drink.* His pocket book was
sometimes empty when the bill collector called. He first
paid with a note at ninety days. When the second hand
coach and silver plated harness seemed a lower grade he
got another second hand outfit. He indulged his fancy
for good horses. On the authority of Gaillard Hunt,
with his next door neighbor, Dr. Thornton, he owned a
r-ace horse. History does not disclose how many times
that fleet-footed nag heard "they're off" or how many
times the racer's nose was in front. Whether the horse
brought fortune or misfortune is only a guess. Yet if
misfortune chills friendship then it was that — for these
two friends had that sensitive and suspicious friendship
always ready for rupture and reconciliation.

The Rev. Manasseh Cutler's ideas and Mr. Gallatin's
are diametric. The reverend gentleman tells his
daughter :

*One of many. Invoice of One Puncheon Best Champain Prime
old Brand}', at least 15 years old, from Cognac, augmented to 4th
shipped on board the Ship Susan, Capt. Howard, on acct of James
Madison Esqr. Secretary of State * * * frcs 789.81 Bordeaux,
October 19, 1807.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington, Dec. 21, 1801.
My Dear Betsy: —

The city of Washington, in point of situation, is much
more delightful than I expected to find it. The ground,
in general, is elevated, mostly cleared and commands a
pleasing prospect of the Potomac River. The buildings
are brick and erected in what are called large blocks, that
is, from two to five to six houses joined together, and
appear like one long building. There is one block of
seven, another of nine, and one of twenty houses, but
they are scattered over a large extent of ground. The
block in which I live contains six houses,* four stories
high, and very handsomely furnished. It is situated east
of the Capitol, on the highest ground in the city. * * *
I am not much pleased with the Capitol. It is a huge
pile built, indeed, with handsome stone, very heavy in its
appearance without, and not very pleasant within. The
President's house is superb, well proportioned, and pleas-
antly situated.

Doctor Samuel Latham Mitchell from New York was
in Washington from 1801 to 1813, either as Senator or
Representative. When Mrs. Mitchell was at home he
wrote her almost daily to let her know what was doing
and that at Washington she had an ardent lover. He
was amiable in disposition and attractive in person. He
was learned and could tell his learning. "We all love the
doctor, and every body likes to hear him talk." He was
wanted in the political conferences and as much in the
social functions.

Washington, January 3, 1802.

The company at dinner consisted of both ladies and
gentlemen, and was extremely sociable and agreeable.
Since that day Mr. Madison has made me a friendly visit,
and I have spent an evening with Mrs. M.

*Carroll Row. Site of Library of Congress.
48

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

While Congress sat in New York it was reported that
he was fascinated by the celebrated Mrs. Colden, of our
city, she who was so noted for her masculine understand-
ing and activity, as well as for feminine graces and ac-
complishments. But Mr. Madison was reserved for
another widow, who some years after became connected
to him by the nuptial tie. * * * She has a fine per-
son and a most engaging countenance, which pleases not
so much from mere symmetry or complexion as from
expression. Her smile, her conversation, and her man-
ners are so engaging that it is no wonder that such a
young widow, with her fine blue eyes and large share of
animation, should be indeed a queen of hearts. By this
second marriage she has become the wife of one of the
first men of the nation, and enjoys all the respectability
and eclat of such a position.

Mr. Madison had wooed and won Miss Catherine
Floyd, the daughter of General William Floyd, one of
the Signers. Won the promise of matrimony, that is all,
for the young Miss of sixteen, to please her new fancy,
exercised her feminine prerogative and sent him a note
of dismissal which was sealed with dough. If the seal
meant not — your cake is dough — it had no explicable
excuse. Mr. Jefferson could sympathize: "I sincerely
lament the misadventure which has happened from what-
ever cause it may have happened ; should it be final, how-
ever, the world presents the same and many other re-
sources of happiness."

Of a holiday of that time Senator Mitchell writes :

Washington, January 4. 1802.

New Year's Day was a time of great parade in the
city of Washington. The weather being fine, gave every
body an opportunity of exhibiting. The great place of
resort was the President's Mansion.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The President was standing near the
middle of the room, to salute and converse with visitors.

* * * Among the ladies were the President's two
daughters, Mrs. Randolph and Mrs. Eppes, to whom I
paid my obeisance; then to Mrs. Madison and her sister.
Miss Paine; then to Mrs. Gallatin and Miss Nicholson,
besides a number of others. Beaux growing scarce or
inattentive, toward the last I had to officiate myself, and
to escort several of the fair creatures in succession to
their carriages.

The Reverend Mr. Cutler was a guest ; the guests were
men of health with appetite and digestion.

1802. Feb. 6. Saturday. Dined at the Presidents.

* * * Rice soup, round of beef, turkey, mutton, ham,
loin of veal, cutlets of mutton or veal, fried eggs, fried
beef, a pie called macaroni, which appeared to be a rich
crust filled with the strillions of onions, or shallots, which
I took it to be, tasted very strong, and not very agreeable.
Mr. Lewis told me there were none in it ; it was an Italian
dish, and what appeared like onions was made of flour
and butter, with a particularly strong liquor mixed with
them. Ice-cream very good, crust wholly dried, crum-
bled into thin flakes ; a dish somewhat like a pudding — in-
side white as milk or curd, very porous and light, covered
with cream-sauce — very fine. Many other jim cracks, a
great variety of fruit, plenty of wines, and good.

Senator Mitchell writes of another holiday:

Washington, March 17, 1802.

As I walked out this morning I observed the sons of
Hibernia had adorned their hats with the shamrock in
honor of St. Patrick, their tutelary saint.

Mrs. Thornton's diary begins with September 30, 1798
and ends, August, 1865. Some parts are missing. The
entries were made on the day. The items are indubitable
facts. Rarely are they with comment. First is daily

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

stated, the day of the month, the day of the week, and the
weather condition. Many omissions of newspapers and
other accounts are supplied, and such supplied omissions
are important in perfecting a complete narrative. The
diary is of valuable historic worth notwithstanding her
depreciation, December 31, 1829:

Our lives pass on, one day so much like another that
there is little use in recording its daily events — to myself
it is sometimes gratifying to refer to days past — but to
others useless — I have for many years kept these mem-
orandums & it has become a habit that I can hardly re-
sign— but why do what will not gratify or serve anyone?
— notwithstanding I go on!

Dr. and Mrs. Thornton's visit to Montpellier was from
September 5 to Wednesday, October 6, 1802. Mrs.
Thornton in her diary gives a description of the Madison
home.

Arrived at Mr Madison's country seat, about 110
miles from the City of Washington and situated in
Orange County Virginia — 5 miles from Orange Court
House in one of the mountains forming the ridge called
the South West mountains — it is in a mild & romantic
Country, very generally covered with fine flourishing
timber & forest trees ; — The house originally built by his
father but added to by himself is upwards of 80 feet in
Length with a handsome (but unfinished) portico of the
Tuscan order, plain but grand appearance, rendered more
pleasing by displaying a taste for the arts which is rarely
to be found in such retired and remote situations. If I
may judge from the appearance of the generality of the
plantations I have seen — in many of which even sufficient
taste to place a common fence is wanting — The House is
on a height commanding an extensive view of the blue
ridge, which by the constant variation in the appearance

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of the clouds, and consequently of the mountains form a
very agreeable & varied object, sometimes appearing very
distant, sometimes much separated and distinct and often
like rolling waves. — Mr M. pofsefses a large tract of land,
on some parts of which, the views are more picturesque,
than where the House is placed, but that scite is very fine,
wanting only a water view to complete it, — the grounds
are susceptible of great improvements, and when those
he contemplates are executed, it will be a handsome place
& approach very much in similarity to some of the ele-
gant seats in England of which many beautiful views are
given in Sandby's views &c

Rev. Mr. Cutler records President Jefferson's second
New Year's reception:

January 1, 1803. Saturday. About 12, I went with
Mr. Tillinghast in a hack to the President's to pay him
the compliments of the season. We found in the octagon
hall, which seemed to be improved as a levee room, a
large company of ladies and gentlemen; the Heads of
Departments, Foreign Ministers, Charge de Affaires, and
Consuls: strangers, members of both Houses, both Fed-
eralists and Democrats. Among the ladies, were the
President's daughters, Mrs. Pechon, Mrs. Madison and
her sister, Miss Payne; ladies of members of Congress,
and some elderly ladies, whom I did not know. The en-
tertainment was wine, punch and cake.

From Winter in Washington — Margaret Bayard Smith
(published anonymously) :

* * * Begged her to describe some of the ladies'
dresses which she had seen that morning at the levee.

"First of all, cousin, tell me how Mrs. M. was dressed;
for I heard you say at dinner, she looked like a queen."

"But it was not her dress that gave her that majestic
appearance."

429 SPRUCE STREET, PHILADELPHIA

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

"Tell me. though, what dress she wore, cousin, for I
love dearly to hear about such things."

"Well, let me think. She had on her head a turban of
white satin, with three large white ostrich feathers hang-
ing over her face, very becoming indeed ! Her dress,
too, of white satin, made high in the neck, with long
sleeves, and large capes, trimmed with swan's down, was
rich and beautiful."

"And had she no diamonds, cousin?"

"No, my dear, she never wears diamonds in the morn-
ing; she looked remarkably well, and as much like a bride,
as a queen, for she wore no colours."

"What need you," said he, looking at the lady of the
Secretary of State — "what need you manners more cap-
tivating, more winning, more polished, than those of that
amiable woman? I have, by turns, resided in all the
courts of Europe, and, most positively I assure you, I
never have seen any Duchess, Princess, or Queen, whose
manners, with equal dignity, blended equal sweetness.
Her stately person, her lofty carriage, her affable and
gracious manner, would make her appear to advantage
at any court in the world. Upon my soul, I have often
exclaimed to myself, as I have seen her moving through
admiring crowds, pleasing all, by making all pleased with
themselves, yet looking superior to all, I often have ex-
claimed— 'She moves a goddess, and she looks a queen.'

It is another's sentiment that horse races are desports
of great men though many gentlemen by such means gal-
lop quite out of their fortunes. But in the Madisonian
era the race was the popular diversion and on the course
gathered the man of cloth as he whose clothes indicate
worldliness. Then it was the only field sport; the dia-
mond and the gridiron were unevolved. There was a
horse-racing, cock-fighting, loud-swearing gentry and the

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

socially known gamed too with the cards, the more fre-
quent game being "brag." The women maintained "the
rights of the Card-table" and the game of these gamesters
was "loo."

Sir Augustus Foster:

Cards were a great resource of an evening, and gam-
ing was all the fashion, at brag especially, for the men
who frequented society were chiefly from Virginia or the
Western States, and were very fond of this the most
gambling of all games as being one of countenance as well
as cards. Loo was the innocent diversion of the ladies,
who, when they were looed, pronounced the word in a
very mincing manner.

Mr. Smith to Mrs. Smith :*

July 5, 1803, Washington.

* * * By the by, what do you think of my going to
such an extent as to win 2 Doll, at Loo the first time I
ever played the game, and being the most successful at the
table? I confess I felt some mortification at putting the
money of Mrs. Madison and Mrs. Duval into my pocket.

Upon this incident Gaillard Hunt makes the comment :f

It will be discomforting to fashionable ladies of the
present day who play "bridge" for money to know that
Mrs. Madison subsequently gave up playing cards for
stakes and was sorry she had ever indulged in the prac-
tice.

Mr Madison and his family take a family dinner with
Th: Jefferson tomorrow (Tuesday) Will Doctr Thorn-
ton and his family join us?
Monday July 11, 03

*Notes on the United States. Quarterly Review.

fForty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Dr. Thornton established the race course. It was on
the road, now Columbia, west of Fourteenth street.

The Rev. Dr. Cutler describes in his journal, graphic-
ally, the popular amusement:

1803. November 8, Tuesday. Horse races com-
menced.

To his son :

As the races form one trait of the character of the
Southern States, it is a subject which may afford you
some amusement. The race ground is on an old field,
with somewhat of a rising in the middle. The race path
is made about fifty feet wide, measuring one mile from
the bench of the judges round to the stage again. In the
center of this circle, a prodigious number of booths are
erected, which stand upon the highest part of the ground.
Under them are tables spread, much like the booths at
Commencement (at Cambridge), but on the tops, for
they are all built with boards, are platforms to accommo-
date spectators. At the time of the racing, these are
filled with people of all descriptions. On the western
side, and without the circus, is rising ground, where the
carriages of the most respectable people take their stand.
These, if they were not all Democrats, I should call the
Noblesse. Their carriages are elegant, and their atten-
dants and servants numerous. They are from different
parts of the Southern and Middle States, and filled prin-
cipally with ladies, and about one hundred in number.
The ground within the circus is spread over with people
on horseback, common hacks, and single carriages; a
great number of women on horses and many a rich and
elegant dress. On the eastern side is the stage for the
bench of judges, elevated fifteen feet from the ground;
at a distance of about ten rods, toward which the horses
approach first, is another stage, on wheels. This is called
the distanced stage. If any horses in the race do not
arrive at this stage before the foremost arrives at the stage

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

from which they started, they are said to be distanced,
and are taken out, and not suffered to run again in the
same race.

While the horses were running, the whole ground
within the circus was spread over with people on horse-
back, stretching round, full speed, to different parts of the
circus, to see the race. This was a striking part of the
show, for it was supposed there were about 800 on horse-
back, and many of them mounted on excellent horses.
There were about 200 carriages and between 3,000 and
4,000 people — black, and white, and yellow ; of all condi-
tions, from the President of the United States to the beg-
gar in his rags ; of all ages and of both sexes, for I should
judge one-third were females. * * * It was said the toll
collected from carriages and horses (people on foot
passed free) was 1,200 dollars * * * Mr. Tayloe,
of this city, is one of the most famous of the Jockey Club.
He had five horses run, one on each day; all come near
winning, but failed. He is said generally to be lucky.
He is very rich — his horses are valued at more than
10,000 dollars. It is said that Holmes has sold one of
his winning horses for 3,500 dollars. So it is that these
Nabobs sport with their money. Vast sums were bet on
the grounds by individuals. It is said one member of
Congress lost, in private bets, 700 dollars. Such are the
evils attending these races. But in one respect I was
much disappointed. Among the numerous rabble, I saw
very few instances of intoxication. I am tired, and can
only add, that I am

Your affectionate parent,

M. Cutler

Senator Mitchell playfully tells the proceedings of the
day to Mrs. Mitchell :

Washington, December 16, 1803.

The horse-races for the season have begun this day
within the Territory of Columbia, and I have been on the
turf to behold this great and fashionable exhibition. The

MRS. MADISON

By James Peale

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ground on which the coursers try their speed is about
four miles from the Capitol Hill. For several weeks this
time has been anticipated with great expectation. People
from far and near throng to behold the spectacle. Par-
ticularly from the adjacent States of Virginia and Mary-
land a multitude of spectators were assembled. The
races, though beginning today (Tuesday), are to continue
until Saturday.

So keen was the relish for the sport that there was a
serious wish of a number of the members to adjourn
Congress for a few days. * * * The Senate ac-
tually did adjourn for three days, not on account of the
races, you will observe, but merely to admit a mason to
plaster the ceiling of their chamber, which had fallen
down a few days before. The House of Representatives
met and adjourned; but you must not suppose this was
done to allow the honorable gentlemen to show themselves
on the race-ground: you are rather to imagine that no
business was in a due state of preparation to be acted
upon. * * *

The sport being over, the great men and the pretty
women and the sporting jockeys and the reverend sirs
and many of the little folks quitted the field.

To Tom Moore :

George Town, near Washington, Sunday, 1804.
Before this letter reaches you, you will have heard of
our landing at Alexandria, after six days' disputation
with winds, tides, and ignorant navigators. The follow-
ing morning we set off for this place in a coachie. The
cold was very severe, and the roads intolerable, neverthe-
less, I laughed every step of the way. Mr. Thornton met
us at Alexandria, and advised this mode of conveyance
as the best both for ease and quickness. Mr. M. had
never been in one of these vehicles, and his quiet aston-
ishment and inzvard groaning gave rise to my mirth and
risibility. On entering our apartments here, I asked the
master of the house what he could give us for dinner.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

He immediately changed his position, walked to the fire-
place, reclined his head on the chimney-piece, looked at
me, or rather stared, and replied, "Why, Mistress Merry,
our custom is to give the best we have, but I keeps no
schedule whatever. My house is full ; but you shall have
yore dinner." So we had, God knows! but neither his
B. Majesty's Minister or Mistress Merry could eat a mor-
sel that was served. A few days will, I hope, place us
in some hovel of our own. Mr. Thornton is indefatig-
able in his endeavors to procure us every comfort. He
is quiet, sensible well-informed man, without brilliancy
or elocution. Well-educated, and full of information,
which he details slowly from a natural impediment in his
speech. Upon the whole he is a great acquisition, and I
rejoice to hear he is not likely to leave us; but this entre
nous — let not a word escape you that I write — trifles be-
come giants in the mouths of Americans. We have
alarmed the Congress itself with the number of our ser-
vants and the immensity of our baggage: the former they
cannot account for ; the latter, they have ingeniously set-
tled, is to be sold, and that their home markets will be
injured if foreign ministers are allowed to bring over
such profusion of luxuries for sale. Do they desire to
have one of Dr. Parry's Christians live amongst them?

I rejoice you did not come with us. At this season
the Potomac is a poor reward for the innumerable diffi-
culties and impositions a traveller meets with. Its im-
mensity inspires awe and surprise that almost deadens
sense, and its sameness, for some hundreds of miles, is
quite overpowering; to this add a total want of cultiva-
tion, without any diversity of ground, without an atom
of sublimity or grandeur, or even cheerfulness. Within
a hundred miles of Alexandria the scene changes for the
better. You have well-clothed mountains and magnifi-
cent woods that may charm in their summer or autumnal
dress, but in the month of November they show you the
savage deserts, the miserable negroes' huts, and the causes
why this country is so devoted a victim to disease. At
some moments I wish you were here. Matter arises

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

every instant that you would convert into amusement,
but the per contra makes us both bear the deprivation of
your society with resignation, though not without regret.
When we are comfortable come and see us. You have
older friends, but none who value you more highly than
Mr. M. and the writer of this blackened scrawl. I hope
you are a good decipherer, or you will soon regret enter-
ing into a correspondence with me; I cannot write well,
nor read what I write. I should have told you the house
you heard talked of for us is not to be had either for love
or money. Mr. M. frets, and every moment exclaims,
"Why it is a thousand times worse than the worst parts of
Spain !' I laugh, and resolve to bear up stoutly against
difficulties while Heaven blesses me with health. I am
now perfectly well, and to-morrow shall exhibit at the
Capitol. The Capitol — good heavens, what profanation ! !
Here is a creek, too — a dirty arm of the river — which
they have dignified by calling it the Tiber. What patience
one need have with ignorance and self-conceit.

Adieu ! let me hear from you soon, and accept the sin-
cere friendship of

E. Merry.

Mrs. Smith, January 23, 1804, says

But certainly there is no place in the United States
where one hears and sees so many strange things, or
where so many odd characters are to be met with.

And in corroboration she relates:

But of Mad'm I think it no harm to speak the

truth. She has made a great noise here, and mobs of
boys have crowded round her splendid equipage to see
what I hope will not often be seen in this country, an
almost naked woman. An elegant and select party was
given to her by Mrs. Robt. Smith ;f her appearance was

*Forty Years of Washington Society.
fRobert Smith — Secretary of the Navy.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

such that it threw all the company into confusion, and
no one dar'd to look at her but by stealth; the window
shutters being left open, a crowd assembled round the
windows to get a look at this beautiful little creature,
for every one allows she is extremely beautiful. Her
dress was the thinnest sarcenet and white crepe without
the least stiffening in it, made without a single plait in
the skirt, the width at the bottom being made of gores;
there was scarcely any waist to it and no sleeves; her
back, her bosom, part of her waist and her arms were
uncover'd and the rest of her form visible. She was
engaged the next evening at Madm P's, Mrs. R. Smith
and several other ladies sent her word, if she wished to
meet them there, she must promise to have more
clothes on.

It is in this letter that Mrs. Smith tells of Mrs. Merry,
the British Minister's wife, being at Robert Smith's large
and splendid ball, and of her appearance and of her im-
pressions of that aggressive lady:

Mrs. Merry was there and her dress attracted great
attention; it was brilliant and fantastic, white satin with
a long train, dark blue crape of the same length over it
and white crape drapery down to her knees and open at
one side, so thickly cover'd with silver spangles that it
appear'd to be a brilliant silver tissue; a breadth of blue
crape, about four yards long, and in other words a long
shawl, put over her head, instead of over her shoulders
and hanging down to the floor, her hair bound tight to her
head with a band like her drapery, with a diamond cres-
cent before and a diamond comb behind, diamond ear-
rings and necklace, displayed on a bare bosom. She is a
large, tall well-made woman, rather masculine, very free
and affable in her manners, but easy without being grace-
ful. She is said to be a woman of fine understanding and
she is so entirely the talker and actor in all companies,
that her good husband passes quite unnoticed ; he is plain

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

in his appearance and called rather inferior in under-
standing.*

, The Merry incident is that the President offered his
arm to Mrs. Madison and ignored her whispered "Take
Mrs. Merry." The Merrys, she on his arm, followed.
The British Minister complained to his government. Mr.
Madison offered to apply diplomatic ointment to the hurt
and with what curative effect can be guessed from his
letter to Mr. Monroe :

Washington, Feby 16, 1804.

Dear Sir In a private letter by Mr. Baring I gave you
a detail of what had passed here on the subject of eti-
quette. I had hoped that no farther jars would have
ensued as I still hope that the good Sense of the British
government respecting the right of the government here
to fix its routes of intercourse and the sentiments and
manners of the country to which they ought to be adap-
ted will give the proper instructions for preventing like
incidents in future. In the meantime a fresh circum-
stance has taken place which calls for explanation.

The President being desirous of keeping open for cor-
dial civilities whatever channels the scruples of Mr My
might not have closed asked me what these were under-
stood to be and particularly whether he would come and
take friendly and familiar dinners with him I undertook
to feel his pulse thro' some hand that would do it with
the least impropriety. From the information obtained I
inferred that an invitation would be readily accepted and
with the less doubt as he had dined with me (his lady de-
clining!) after the offense originally taken. The invita-
tion was accordingly sent and terminated in the note from
him to me & my answer herewith inclosed. I need not
comment on this display of diplomatic superstition, truly

*Forty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.
fMrs. Thornton's Diary states that Mrs. Merry was ill.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

extraordinary in this age and in this country. We were
willing to refer it to the personal character of a man
accustomed to see importance in such trifles and over
cautious against displeasing his government by surren-
dering the minutest of his or its pretentions. What we
apprehend is, that with these causes may be mingled a
jealousy of our disposition towards England and that the
mortifications which he has inflicted on himself are to be
set down to that account.*

And Madison to Monroe, the same day, writes :

Thornton has also declined an invitation from the
Prest. This shews that he unites without necessity with
Merry. He has latterly expressed much jealousy of our
views founded on little and unmeaning circumstances.*

Benjamin Ogle Tayloe says that Mrs. Madison in-
formed him in her old age that immediately after the
dinner in the drawing room to her with emotion, the
Marchioness D'Yrujo said, "This will be cause of war."f

Mr & Mrs Merry

request the Honor of

Mrs Brodeau's

Company at Tea

on Monday Evg the 9th of April

An Answer is desired

Extracts from Notes on the United States by Sir Au-
gustus Foster edited by the Right Hon. Sir Augustus J.
Foster, Bart, are in the Quarterly Review, Vol. 68. Sir
Augustus Foster was the Secretary to the Legation
1804'5'6; and the Envoy in 1811 to the declaration of
the War 1812. His comment and criticism are discri-

* Writings of James Madison. Edited by Gaillard Hunt.

fin Mcmoriam — Benjamin Ogle Tayloe. Winslow M. Watson.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

minate and he rebukes the travellers who have made
biassed reports as going bilious and returning with a
double portion. It is only economy of space that forbids
the repeating of the Notes in full.

* * * I conclude Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Madison
were too much of the gentleman not to feel ashamed of
what they were doing, and consequently did it awkwardly,
as people must do who affect bad manners for a particular
object. I allude to the sudden alteration in the etiquette
heretofore practised by General Washington and Mr.
Adams on dinner being announced. Mr. and Mrs.
Merry were so thoroughly unaware of this intention that
they had not had time to think of what they should do on
the occasion, and Mr. Jefferson had not requested any
one present to look to the strangers ; so, when he took to
dinner the lady next to him, Mr. Madison followed his
example, and the Senators and members of the House of
Representatives walked off with their respective dames —
leaving the astonished Merry — (who was of the old
school, having passed a great part of his life at Madrid)
— gazing after them, till at last he made common cause
with his better half : offering her his arm with a formel
air, and giving a hint to one of the servants to send for
his carriage, he took her to the table and sat by her, — the
half-ashamed and half-awkward President not even at-
tempting an excuse. And this same scene was for con-
sistency's sake repeated nearly in the same manner at the
house of the Secretary of State. Ever afterwards Mr.
Merry refused their invitations; messages were sent to
beg he would dine with the President as Mr. Merry, put-
ting aside his quality of British Minister; but this he
could not well do without, as he thought, sanctioning in
some sort their previous treatment of the representative
of Great Britain, as long as no apology was offered for
the past : so he never met his Excellency any more at
table, since the President, unlike any social monarchs of
the north, keeps his state — neither he nor his wife accept-
ing of invitations.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

T. Cutler's manuscripts :

Dr. Cutler, while in Washington, was often at Mr.
Madison's, who was then Secretary of State. He found
Mrs. Madison very amiable, and exceedingly pleasant and
sensible in conversation. On one occasion, she spoke of
the dishonesty of the Democrats. Dr. Cutler said, in-
quiringly, "You do not believe all the Democrats are dis-
honest?" "Yes," she said, "I do, every one of them!"
which produced a hearty laugh, in which Mr. Madison
himself joined.

Mrs. Madison's intent, in the remark, is conjectural.
It can be conjectured that the remark was a play on the
Doctor's political partiality and to please him by an im-
plied mutuality of opinion.

Journal of Dr. Cutler:

(1804) Feb 21 Tuesday. Very pleasant. Atten-
ded at Hall. Dined with Mr. Madison. An excellent
dinner. The round of Beef of which the Soup is made
is called Bouilli. It had in the dish spices and something
of the sweet herb and Garlic kind, and a rich gravy. It
is very much boiled, and is still very good. We had a
dish with what appeared to be Cabbage, much boiled, then
cut in long strings and somewhat mashed ; in the middle a
large Ham, with the Cabbage around. It looked like
our country dishes of Bacon and Cabbage, with the Cab-
bage mashed up, after being boiled till sodden and turned
dark. The Dessert good; much as usual, except two
dishes which appeared like Apple pie, in the form of the
half of a Musk-melon, the flat side down, tops creased
deep, and the color a dark brown.

A foreigner, said to be Mrs. Merry, Dr. Cutler's friend,
criticized the Madison table, "that it was more like a
harvest-home supper, than the entertainment of a Sec-

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

retary of State." Mrs. Madison conceded the correct-
ness of the criticism and as remembered by Mrs. Smith,
she said :*

That she thought abundance was preferable to ele-
gance; that circumstances formed customs, and customs
formed taste; and as profusion so repugnant to foreign
customs arose from the happy circumstance of the abun-
dance and prosperity of our country, she did not hesitate
to sacrifice the delicacy of European taste, for the less
elegant, but more liberal fashion of Virginia.

To Mrs. Poole:

Washington, Feb. 28, 1804

My Dear Daughter:— * * * The British Min-
ister and his lady have been the subjects of much con-
versation, especially with respect to repeated affronts they
have received. There can be no doubt they have been
treated very improperly. A few days since, Mr. J. Q.
Adams, of the Senate, General Wadsworth and myself,
made the Minister a formal visit. We were introduced
by Mr. Adams, and treated with much politeness. Mr.
Merry is a well-formed, genteel man, extremely easy and
social. But I was especially pleased with his lady, who
is a remarkably fine woman. It happened that I was
seated by her. She entered instantly into the most agree-
able conversation, which continued during the visit, while
the other gentlemen were conversing with each other.
She was just as easy and social as if we had been long
acquainted, and continued so as long as we tarried, which
was about a couple of hours. * * *

Your affectionate parent,

M. Cutler

Miss Anna Payne was married to Richard Cutts, Fri-
day, March 30, 1804.

*Mrs. Madison — National Portrait Gallery. Margaret B. Smith.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

National Intelligencer, Wednesday, April 4.

Married — on Saturday laft, by the Revd. Dr. Gantt,
Richard Cutts, Efquire, a representative from Maffa-
chufetts, to Mifs Paine of this City.

Mrs. Thornton's Diary :

1804. March 30. Received invitation to Mifs
payne's marriage. — I wrote a note to her & Mrs. Mad-
ison.

Harriet Taylor Upton says :*

Although the wedding was a fine affair, the presents
according to the custom of the time were simply tokens
of love, planned and made by those who gave them — em-
broidery, paintings, and original poetry. Madame Desch-
coff,f the wife of the Russian Minister, sent the usual
wedding-present of her country; two wine-coolers, one
filled with salt — the essence of life, the other with bread
— the staff of life

To Mrs. Isaac Winston.

April 9, 1804.

I consider myself a most unlucky being, my dearest
aunt, in regard to my letters to you, for you certainly
cannot received my two last or you would have alluded
to them in yours, which we have this moment received.
What must my dear uncle think of me ! but I will now
take the opportunity to scold you for not knowing my
heart better, which has always been open to you, — you
speak to me in apologies for my Cousin Dolly's stay, when
I have considered it as a favor, and a very great pleasure,
only wishing we could live together all our lives. We
hope and expect to go to you in May. Public business.

*Our Early Presidents, Their Wives and Children.
fM. De Dashkoff, Charge d'Affaires and Consul-General of
the Emperor of Russia to the U. S.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

perhaps, was never thicker. I have just received a long
letter from mamma, who is quite well, and I pray that
your fears may not be realized, my dear aunt, but that
you may spend a great deal of time together in this life.
I should be miserable, indeed, if I did not feel such a con-
viction. I am taking care of my best prunes and figs for
you. Tell dear uncle I am ashamed to speak to him, but
he will see by this that it was not my fault. Farewell,
dearest aunt, I have nothing new to tell you as you must
know all about Burr.

Ever your devoted,

Dolly.*

To Anna :

April 26, 1804.

Though few are the days passed since you left me, my
dearest Anna, they have been spent in anxious impatience
to hear from you/ Your letter from Baltimore relieved
my mind, and the one from Philadelphia this hour re-
ceived gives me the greatest pleasure. To trace you and
your dear husband in that regretted city, where we have
spent our early years, to find that even there you can
recollect with affection the solitary being you have left
behind, reflects a ray of brightness on my sombre pros-
pects. I will now give you a little sketch of our times
here. I shut myself up from the time you entered the
stage until Saturday, when we went to drive in the rain
with Marshall Brent. All our acquaintance called in to
see me on the different mornings. Those few whom I
saw seemed to sympathize with me in your loss ! ! ! I
drank tea with the Tingeys and Mrs. Forrest, the amount
of visits accomplished. A letter from the President an-
nounces the death of poor Maria, and the consequent
misery it has occasioned them all. This is among the
many proofs of the uncertainty of life. A girl so young,
so lovely ! All the efforts of friends and doctors availed
nothing. I am delighted with the kind attention you

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

meet from our old acquaintance, and have no doubt but
that you will have a grateful welcome in all the places
you are destined to visit. Remember me to the McKeans,
and to Sally say a great deal, for I feel a tenderness for
her and her husband, independent of circumstances.

Your devoted sister,

Dolly.*

In the early Philadelphia directories are:

1791 Thomas Tingey Sea Captain 16 Union St
■,jq>> Thomas Tingey, Sea captain 121 So. Third St.

The Captain was brave. In the war with France he
had command of the Ganges and two small vessels. With
them he guarded the passage between Cuba and Haiti
(1798).f A British officer to impress men boarded a
ship in the Captain's command, and to the officer, he said :

"A public ship carries no protection for her men but
her country's flag. I do not expect to succeed in the ac-
tion with you, but I will die at my quarters before a man
shall be taken off this ship." The British officer was
impressed and his ship sailed away.i

The Captain was gallant. Gallant the same as he was
brave. His social gallantry was not hollowness — it was
heartfelt hospitality. His hospitality had the initiative;
and his service had sacrifice.

The Captain was portly and handsome — handsome
without the gold braid and cocked hat. When he bowed
it was a graceful manoeuvre, and smiled — altogether it
was a picture to captivate. In all the "polish'd horde"

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
^Commodore John Rodgers. Charles Oscar Paullin.
%The Evening Star. November 27, 1906.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

there was none to rank with the Captain. He was so-
ciety's beau ideal. No swell dance, no public dinner in
the Captain's prime, and the city's primitive period, with-
out the Captain's piloting. For the dancing assembly,
the Captain was always of the Committee, the chairman
or captain of it.

In Philadelphia, the Captain was Dolly's friend; her
neighbor — he lived a square east and a square south of
her. In Washington he welcomed her, he and Mrs.
Tingey, the Mrs. Tingey.*

From Mrs. Anna Cutts :

Boston, May, 1804.

My Dearest Dolly, — How I miss you it would not be
possible to say. The town of Boston is all confusion,
no regularity anywhere, and after Philadelphia and New
York it seemed as if I should be stifled; the situations and
prospects outside of the town are delightful, but you
have heard from others, more capable of describing it.
We have very pleasant lodgings, and for my companion
the famous Madame Knox, who although very haughty
I find pleasant and sensible. Chess is now her mania,
which she plays extremely well, only too often for my
fancy, who am not of late so partial to it. Every morn-
ing after breakfast, there is a summons from her lady-
ship, which if I attend pins me to her apron-string until
time to dress for dinner, after which she retires, again
inviting me to battle. Out of twenty-one games, in only
two, and a draw game, has she shown me any mercy;
she is certainly the most successful player I ever encoun-
tered. Thursday we dined at the Mortons', an extremely
pleasant place, the house and grounds quite tasteful.
Mrs. Morton strikes one most at home, believe me, and
had I her establishment would never quit it for anything

*The Captain was three times married.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

in Washington. She has four fine daughters, all women,
and two of them very pretty. They gave us a handsome
dinner and a pleasant party, with a dash at Loo in the
evening, to please Mrs. Knox, I suppose. The Federal
party in Boston prevails, — however, in spite of my con-
nections, I find much civility among them. Always, my
dearly beloved sister, much love, in which my husband
joins me,

Yours devotedly,
Anna.*

Tom Moore made the transatlantic trip with Mr.
and Mrs. Merry. After a visit to "thei region of isles,"
the Bermudas, he returned to Norfolk. From there
overland he crossed the States northward, and on the
way tarried at Washington.

At Washington, I passed some days with the English
minister, Mr. Merry; and was, by him, presented at the
levee of the President, Jefferson, whom I found sitting
with General Dearborn and one or two other officers, and
in the same homely costume, comprising slippers and
Connemara stockings, in which Mr. Merry had been re-
ceived by him — much to that formal minister's horror —
when waiting upon him, in full dress, to deliver his cre-
dentials. My single interview with this remarkable per-
son was of very short duration; but to have seen and
spoken with the man who drew up the Declaration of
American Independence was an event not to be for-
gotten.

His visit was in "the season of youth" (twenty-
fifth year) ; and the Preface to the Second Volume
veneers that of the first and his poems so severe and
satirical on American men and matters. He might
have plead immaturity, but pleads in mitigation:

* Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
70

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

* * * my mind was left open too much to the influ-
ence of the feelings and prejudices of those I chiefly con-
sorted with; and, certainly, in no quarter was I so sure
to find decided hostility, both to the men and the prin-
ciples then dominant throughout the Union, as among
officers of the British navy, and in the ranks of an angry
Federalist opposition.

And happily concludes :

While the good will I have experienced from more
than one distinguished American sufficiently assures me
that any injustice I may have done to that land of free-
men, if not long since wholly forgotten, is now remem-
bered only to be forgiven.*

And surely much might be forgiven in slight recom-
pense for the melodious rhythm and sweet fancy of
the songs he sung on this side of the Atlantic waste.

From Washington, he tells metrically Dr. Thomas
Hume, they will have a "frank exchange of heart"
whether by the Thames or the Potomac, and

"O'er lake and marsh, through fevers and through fogs,
'Midst bears and yankees, democrats and frogs,
Thy foot shall follow me, thy heart and eyes
With me shall wonder, and with me despise.

In fancy now, beneath the twilight gloom,
Come, let me lead thee o'er this 'second Rome !'
Where tribunes rule, where dusky Davi bow,
And what was Goose Creek once is Tiber now : —
This embryo capital, where Fancy sees
Squares in morasses, obelisks in trees ;
Which second-sighted seers, ev'n now, adorn
With shrines unbuilt and heroes yet unborn,

Though not but woods and J n they see

Where streets should run and sages ought to be."

The poet amplifies by a footnote :

A little stream runs through the city, which with
intolerable affectation, they have styled the Tiber. It
was originally called Goose Creek.

*Life and Letters of Washington Irving.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The Tiber crossed Pennsylvania Avenue at Second
Street. It was two-thirds of a street wide. Its bottom
was sandy and its bed interspersed with boulders.
The current was swift and, after storms, a torrent.
In the olden days on Second Street, a little north of
the Avenue, a road inclined and it was a favorite place
for the horses to slake their thirst. The water nearly
reached the body of the vehicles.

A proprietor, a Pope, of a small domain which em-
braced the prominence many years afterwards the
site of the Capitol, called it Rome and the stream
through it Tiber. The deed from Pope was in frame
exhibited on the walls of the Tax Collector's office.
In the numerous shiftings of the local government's
offices this ancient muniment of title was lost.*

Moore was in Washington the fore part of June,
1804. Then, Mrs. Madison was at Montpellier, held
by rheumatism. It was unfortunate that they did not
meet. Dolly could "smile brightly" and Tom could
"sing sweetly," and the mixture would have cured
Dolly of her aches and Tom of his grouches. Dolly's
mother was born in the County Wexford and Tom's
father was born in the County Kerry — not so far
between — and that made a Celtic relation. Between
these relatives would have been a skirmish of Celtic

*"That the Washington 'Tiber' had borne the name long before
the City of Washington was ever dreamed of is shown by the fact
that a patent was issued by the Colonial authorities of Maryland on
May 13, 1664, to a facetious gentleman, by the name of Francis Pope,
for a tract of land called 'Rome,' situated on 'Tiber' Creek, and
containing 400 acres. This tract fell within the lines of the City
of Washington and the capitol building is situated upon or near it.
Mr. Pope had, evidently, a desire to be known as 'Pope, of Rome,
on Tiber.' " Old Georgetown — Hugh T. Taggart.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

wit, a truce, a peace, and to Tom the whole country-
would have worn a reflection of Dolly's smile.

In the fourth year at Washington, Mrs. Madison
succumbed to physical ailment. She had an attack
of rheumatism, the inflammatory kind. From Mont-
pellier, June 3, 1804, she tells her sister, Anna, of the
painfulness of it; of the bleeding by Dr. Willis and
the nursing by Mother Madison, and of her intended
return to Washington the week after.

Washington, June, 1804.

My Dearest Anna, — How delighted I should be to
accompany you to all the charming places you mentioned,
to see all the kind people, and to play Loo with Mrs.
Knox. Mr. Madison would write, but is overwhelmed
with business. * * * He always sends his affection-
ate love. Mount Vernon has been set on fire five different
times, and it is suspected some malicious persons are de-
termined to reduce it to ashes. Oh, the wickedness of
men and women! I am afraid to accept their invita-
tions.*

The date of the letter which follows can be supplied
by the entry in Mrs. Thornton's dairy:

(1804) June 5, Tuesday. Dr T. at the president's
with the Baron Humboldt.

To Mrs. Anna Cutts :

We spent last evening at Mr. Pichon's. Our city is
now almost deserted, and will be more so in a week or
two. Dr. and Mrs. T. sat yesterday for the last time to
Stuart. He has now nearly finished all his portraits and
says he means to go directly to Boston, but that is what
he has said these two years; being a man of genius, he

* Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of course does things differently from other people. I
hope he will be here next winter, as he has bought a
square to build a "Temple" upon. Where will you cele-
brate the Fourth of July, my dear sister? We are to
have gnand doings here. Mr. Van Ness is to deliver an
oration, Mr. L. says, in the woods, and the ladies are to
be permitted to partake of the mirth. We have lately had
a great treat in the company of a charming Prussian
Baron. All the ladies say they are in love with him,
notwithstanding his want of personal charms. He is the
most polite, modest, well-informed and interesting trav-
eller we have ever met, and is much pleased with Amer-
ica. I hope one day you will become acquainted with our
charming Baron Humboldt. He sails in a few days for
France with his companions, and is going to publish an
account of his travels in South America, where he lived
five years, proposing to return here again. He had with
him a train of philosophers, who, though clever and en-
tertaining, did not compare to the Baron.*

Washington, July 16, 1804.

My Dearest Anna, — Yours from Maine reached me
yesterday, and I need not say how delighted I am at your
description of places and persons, and at the knowledge
of your fecility. We go to Montpellier this week. Payne
continues weak and sick; and my prospects rise and fall
to sadness as this precious child recovers or declines. You
have heard, no doubt, of the terrible duel and death of
poor Hamilton. f

Thomas Law was of a noble family ; its nobility was in
intellectual distinction. His father was a bishop and his
brothers were bishops and his sisters, wives of bishops,
except that a brother was the eminent Edward Law, the
advocate of Warren Hastings, the Lord Chief Justice and
titled Baron Ellenborough. Thomas Law in early years

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
■[Ibid.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

went to India in the employ of the East India Company
and in early years became the Collector of a district of
two million souls and as the Collector had legislative,
executive and judicial control. He made reforms of
great good to the people and great glory to himself. Dis-
agreement with the company and ligitation had the con-
sequence of his coming to the United States. In Phila-
delphia, he met the principal promoters of the Capital
City and caught their enthusiasm to the extent that he
invested almost all his capital. In Philadelphia, he met
Miss Elizabeth Custis, Mrs. Washington's grand-
daughter, and by her charms he was caught and he in-
vested all his happiness in her.

Thomas Twining, who visited the Laws at their home
on the banks of the Potomac, said he was surprised that
he who had had "the splendor and consequence of a
prince" should be satisfied with his situation although he
had "a companion with whom a man might be happy
anywhere." Mr. Law, abroad, visited his kin; Mrs.
Law, at home, relieved her loneliness. Mr. Law re-
turned to hear the gossip. "A Bill elegantly made out in
due form," in duplicate, of total separation was very
gratifying to both. Just how Mrs. Law relieved her
loneliness, Dr. Thornton has this hint in his letter to Mr.
Madison; August 17, 1803:

Mrs Law has dashed in a very high military state
lately, & I suppose will beat up for Amazonian Volun-
teers. My wife said she would write to your good Lady,
and as all the dear Creatures like a little Tincture of Ex-
travagance I am confident she will describe Made Law in
Colours that even a Description of Cleopatra's Gala Suit
could not touch. I shall leave Mrs Law therefore on
Horseback to be taken off by the Ladies, although at-
tended by seven officers. —

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

It was only a freedom. Mr. Law, himself, said, "I
have always paid tribute correctly due to Mrs. Law's
purity of conduct, which I never did impeach."

Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Law :*

Washington, Octor 17th 1804.

My dear Mrs. Law — Mr. Madison is willing to take
David for 400 dolrs to be paid at the end of the year from
the time of his coming into service with lawful interest
from that date, it being understood that at the expiration
of five years he is to become free, & that in the mean time
Mr. M. is to be his owner. If these terms are satisfac-
tory you will be so good as to have the contract prepared
& on his appearing with it, Mr. Madison will send you
his obligation for the price.

The sale of the slave was incident to Mrs. Law's sev-
erance of the marital tie and relinquishment of house-
keeping. The provision of the contract, the freedom of
the slave at the end of a brief period, indicates Mrs. Mad-
ison's fidelity to Quaker principle — no human property.

Doctor Manasseh Cutler, by marvellous availment
of time, was widely wise. He as counsel could con-
strue the law to favor his client's cause ; indeed, he was
tendered a judgeship by President Washington. He
could expound the Scriptures; that was his employ-
ment by inclination. So well he knew the curative
qualities of drugs and herbs, he could heal all manner
of sickness. He could read the signs in the sun, and
in the moon, and in the stars, and he wrote like the
astronomers. Like unto the man of wisdom who

♦Charles Roberts' autographic collection by favor of the Haver-
ford College, Pennsylvania.

2411 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, WASHINGTON, D. C.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

"spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Leba-
non even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the
wall," so could he speak of trees and plants and of all
that have roots and sprout.

He did many wonderful things and it takes the large
volumes to contain them.* In Congress, he perceived
the politicians were so absorbed in their own official sal-
vation that they failed to appreciate the importance of
creating the Botanical Gardens, a measure he advocated.

Dr. Cutler to Dr. Jonathan Stokes:

Hamilton, May 15, 1805

* * * The last winter I had the pleasure of forming
an acquaintance with a lady who has a fine taste for
Botany, the lady of your Minister Plenipotentiary, Mrs.
Merry. She is making progress, and is indefatigable
in her attention to the plants of this country.

Washington, June 4, 1805.

My Dearest Anna, — I wrote to you from my bed, to
which I have been confined for ten days with a bad knee ;
it has become very painful, and two doctors have applied
caustic with the hope of getting me well, but Heaven only
knows ! I feel as if I should never walk again. My dear
husband insists upon taking me to Philadelphia to be
under Dr. Physic's care, but he cannot stay with me, and
I dread the separation.

Yesterday we had brother George, Thornton, and Law-
rence Washington to spend the day, and I enjoyed the
sound of Virginia hilarity echoing through the house;
George coughs incessantly, looks thin and hoarse, but has
no idea of dying. Since I wrote you two days past. I
have heard sad things of Turreau, — that he whips his

*The Life, Journals and Correspondence of Manasseh Cutler, —
William Parker Cutler and Julia Perkins Cutler.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

wife, and abuses her dreadfully; I pity her sincerely; she
is an amiable, sensible woman. A letter from Mount
Vernon begging me to come there, but alas ! I shall walk
no more.

Yours ever,

Dolly.*

Mrs. Madison's kind words were for Madame, the wife
of General Turreau de Garambonville, the French Min-
ister. He was marked for the guillotine and was saved
by a trick of the jailor's daughter. Gratitude was the
basis of a marriage without the essential element. She
followed him to the United States. In society resplen-
dent in diamonds and gold he appeared but without the
Madame. In Tayloe's reminiscences is that the cries of
the Madame aroused the neighbors of Turreau, who lived
in the Seven Buildings, and that his accomplished sec-
retary, Count de Carbre, who played exquisitely the flute,
attempted to drown them by his music. That the neigh-
bors became indignant and threatening. That at the cli-
max of the clamor, the eccentric Dr. Thornton arrived
and arrested the flagellation. That Turreau to Thorn-
ton, fiercely said : "Dr. Tornton, you do not know de law
of de nation;" and that Dr. Thornton to Turreau replied
"But I know the laws of humanity, and I mean to enforce
them." In fact, the Madame cried out in grief and in
remonstrance at the General's insistence that she return
to France. She ultimately did. The circumstances of
the disturbance in form of sworn testimony was reduced
to writing by Dr. Thornton in his capacity as a justice of
the peace.

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
78

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington, July 8, 1805.

Still, my dear Anna, must your sister write to you from
the bed. * * * I feel now very impatient to be in
Montpellier, and have confidence in the change of air,
though this place seems to be healthy, if terribly warm
and dry. I had a long friendly note from the President
yesterday, begging me to get Virginia's wedding gar-
ments, also trinkets and dresses for all the family. I
shall drive to the shops, but am not able to alight ; and so
little variety in Georgetown; but I must do my best for
them, and have promised to be at the wedding, if possible,
the last of this month. * * * The Fourth of July I
spent at the President's, sitting quite still, and amusing
myself with the mob. Farewell.

Your own sister,

Dolly.*

The injured knee which did not yield to the treatment
of the local practitioners caused a visit to Philadelphia
for treatment by him with name of professional appro-
priateness— Doctor Philip Syng Physick. The journey
to Philadelphia was with suffering and anxiety. She
tells sister, Anna, July 29, 1805 :

* * * And here I am on my bed, with my dear hus-
band sitting anxiously by me, who is my most willing
nurse. But you know how delicate he is. I tremble for
him ; one night on the way he was taken very ill with his
old complaint, and I could not fly to aid him as I used to
do. Heaven in its mercy restored him next morning,
and he would not pause until he heard my fate from
Doctor Physic.f

Philadelphia, July 31, 1805.

My Dear Sister, — We are in excellent lodgings on
Sansom Street, and I feel like another being. Dr. Physic

* Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
Void.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

has put my knee in splints and promises me a cure in time.
I have the world to see me, and many invitations to the
houses of the gentry, but withstand all, to be at ease here.
I have not seen where I am, yet, and the longer I stay, the
less do the vanities tempt me, though, as you know, I
usually like the routs all too well. You ask who is the
kindest to me here, and I can tell you that, among a num-
ber, Betsey Pemberton bears off the palm. Never can I
forget Betsey, who has been to me what you would have
been. I have had a lecture from S. L. on seeing too
much company, and it brought to my mind the time when
our society used to control me entirely, and debar me
from so many advantages and pleasures ; even now, I feel
my ancient terror revive in a great degree. Madison is
well, though besieged with callers; he sends his love to
you both, as I do.

Ever your devoted

Dolly.*

Philadelphia, October 23, 1805.

A few hours only have passed since you left me, my
beloved, and I find nothing can relieve the oppression of
my mind but speaking to you, in this, the only way. Dr.
Physic called before you had gone far, but I could only
find voice to tell him my knee felt better. Betsey Pem-
berton and Amy are sitting by me, and seem to respect
the grief they know I feel at even so short a separation
from one who is all to me. I shall be better when Peter
returns with news, not that any length of time could les-
sen my first regret, but an assurance that you are well and
easy will contribute to make me so. * * * Betsey
puts on your hat to divert me, but I cannot look at her.

October 24. — What a sad day! The watchman an-
nounced a cloudy morning at one o'clock, and from that
moment I found myself unable to sleep, from anxiety for
thee, my dearest husband. Detention, cold, and accident
seem to menace thee. Betsey, who lay beside me, ad-

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
80

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ministered several drops of laudanum, which had a partial
effect. Every one is most kind and attentive.

October 25. — This clear, cold morning will favor your
journey, and enliven the feelings of my darling. I have
nothing new to tell you. The knee is mending, and I sit
just as you left me. The doctor, during his short visits,
talks of you. He regards you more than any man he
knows, and nothing could please him so much as a pros-
pect of passing his life near you; sentiments so congenial
to my own, and in such cases, like dew-drops on flowers,
exhilarate as they fall. * * * Adieu, my beloved,
our hearts understand each other.

In fond affection thine,

Dolly P. Madison.*

Pemberton and Physick and Syng are Philadelphia
families of ye olden times who went to ye meeting in ye
morning and drank tea together in ye evening. In her
journal Elizabeth Drinker says, October 16, 1758. "Spent
ye afternoon at Israel Pemberton's" ; March 22, 1/59
"Called after meeting at A. Physick's"; and the next day
"Called after dinner at P. Syng's, bought a pr. of
buckles."

Philadelphia, October 26. 1805.

My Dearest Husband, —

Peter returned safe with your dear letter, and cheered
me with a favorable account of the prospects of your
getting home in the stage. I was sorry you could not
ride further in our carriage, as it might have spared you
fatigue.

In my dreams last night, I saw you in your chamber,
unable to move, from riding so far and so fast. I pray
that an early letter from you may chase away the painful
impression of this vision. I am still improving, and shall

*Metnoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

observe strictly what you say on the subject of the doc-
tor's precepts.

October 28. — I have this moment received the letters
you inclosed from Washington. I rejoice to hear you
are there, and shall await the next post with impatience;
by that, you will speak for yourself. The Marquis and
Marchioness came to see me yesterday, with many other
friends. I am getting well as fast as I can, for I have
the reward in view of then seeing my beloved. Tell me
if Mrs. Randolph is expected, and all the news you shall
have time and patience to give me. I have written you
every day since we parted, but am so shut up that I
can say nothing to amuse; when I begin to drive out, I
hope to become a more interesting correspondent. Did
you see the Bishop, or engage a place at school for
Payne? Farewell, until to-morrow, my best friend;
think of thy wife, who thinks and dreams of thee.

Dolly.*

Philadelphia, October 30, 1805.

I have at this moment perused with delight thy letter,
my darling husband, with its enclosures. To find you
love me, have my child safe, and that my mother is well,
seems to comprise all my happiness. The doctor has
ordered me some drops, which I take dutifully. I walk
about the room, and hope a few days more will enable
me to ride, so that you may expect me to fly to you as soon
— ah ! I wish I might say how soon. Madame Pichon
writes me an affectionate letter, and begs me to accept a
pair of ear-rings for her sake. You no doubt have them,
as they are not with the letter. I am punctual in deliver-
ing to Betsey all your commands, and she insists on add-
ing a postscript to this which I am not to see. I have
also a letter from the President, asking me to procure
several articles for Mrs. Randolph, which I shall soon be
able to do, by driving to the shop doors. There have
been many callers today, and pressing invitations. It is

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
82

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

now past nine o'clock, and I cease to write, only to dream
of thee. Tell Mrs. Thornton I am having the model of
a bonnet made for her; the new ones are just coming in.
Write soon to thy devoted

Dolly*

Philadelphia, November 1, 1805.

I have great pleasure, my beloved, in repeating to you
what the doctor has just told me — that I may reasonably
hope to leave this place in a fortnight; but I am so im-
patient to be restored to you. * * * Kiss my child
for me, and remember me to my friends. Adieu, my
dear husband. Peter brings me no letter from you,
which really unfits me from writing more to any one.

Your ever affectionate

Dolly.f

Yours of the 1st instant my dearest gives me much
happiness but it cannot be complete till I have you with
me. Let me know the moment you can of the time you
will set out that I may make arrangements for paying the
Dr. &c My tob has been sold in Ricd but unfortunately
the bills are not yet come on & are on N. York at 60 days
so that some recognition will be necessary. I did not
expect you would receive much from your Tenants.
Dont forget to do something as to insuring the buildings.
Your question as to Spain & England is puzzling, as one
gets into ill humor it is possible the other may change her
countenance. If a general war takes place in Europe
Spain will probably be less disposed to insult us & Eng-
land less sparing of her insults whether a war will be
forced by either is more than can be foreseen. It cer-
tainly will not if they consult their interest. The power
of deciding questions of war & providing measures that
will make or meet it is with Congress & that is always an
answer to Newspapers. Madam TJ is here the General

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

Vbid.

tTurreau.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

is not. Your friends are all well except Capt T* who
has been in extreme danger but is mending. Mrs T also
has been unwell. I enclose a letter from Payne & one
from Mrs. R. Miss P. postscript makes my mouth water.
Cousin Isaac's would too, if he had ever had the taste
which I have had.

Your own

Affec

J. M.f

Philadelphia, November 15, 1805.

My Darling Husband, — I have just parted from
Colonel Patton, who is well pleased with the payment of
the horses, and congratulated me on possessing such a
handsome pair. I went to pay some visits this morning,
and on my return found Anthony Morris waiting, with a
petition from his wife that I would let him wait upon me
to her house for some days; but I am too fearful of tax-
ing my strength, much as I love these old and dear
friends. * * *

November 17. — Anna and her husband arrived last
evening, my beloved, and so pleased and agitated was I,
that I could not sleep. We will leave on Monday, if I
am quite strong enough, but I will await your commands.
Farewell my beloved one,

Dolly.t

The "Bishop" in Mrs. Madison's letter of October 28
is Bishop John Carroll. He, in answer to Mr. Madison's
letter of November 1st, on the 15th informed him the
college will be ready to receive his son December 1st. In
Baltimore Payne had the care of Mrs. Madison's friends.

*Tingey.

■^Writings of James Madison. Gaillard Hunt.

XMemoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Latrobe in his journal says:*

The city abounds in cases of extreme poverty and
distress. The families of workmen whom the unhealthi-
ness of the city, and idleness arising from the capricious
manner in which the appropriations for the erection of
public buildings have been granted, give to them for a
short time high wages and again for a whole season do
not afford them a week's work. The result is distressing.
Workmen who are ruined in circumstances and health are
to be found in extreme indigence scattered in wretched
huts over this waste which the law calls the American
metropolis. They inhabit the half-finished houses, now
tumbling to ruin, which the madness of speculation had
erected. Besides these wretched remnants of industrious
and happy families enticed hither by their own golden
dreams, or the golden promises of swindling or deceiving
speculators. There are higher orders of beings quite as
wretched and almost as poor, though as yet not quite so
ragged. These are master tradesmen, chiefly building
artisans, who purchased lots and perhaps built houses in
which they invested their all. Many of them brought
hither have sunk the earnings of a laborious life, which
in any other spot would have given to them ease and to
their children education. Distress and want of employ-
ment has made many of them sots. Few have saved
their capital. Most of them hate, calumniate or envy
each other, for they are all fighting for the scanty means
of support which the city affords.

Above these again are others who brought large for-
tunes to this great vortex that swallowed everything ir-
recoverably that was thrown into it. Law, Duncanson,
Stoddart, and many others, from affluent circumstances,
are involved by their sanguine hopes in embarrassment
from which nothing but the grave will set them free.

Daily through the city stalks the picture of famine.
L'Enfant and his dog. * * * He is too proud to

*Joumal of Benjamin H. Latrobe, Architect of the Capitol at
Washington.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

receive any assistance and it is very doubtful in what
manner he subsists.

L'Enfant devised the city's plan, so he said. Some say
he didn't and some say he did. Those who say he did are
in the large majority. And he that stalked along with a
bell-shaped hat on his head and the canine sympathizer
and sharer at his heels, the figure of famine, has been
given a stone — at Arlington — and his bones lie under it.
And right on the edge of the city a circle has been given
his name but the effigy of another man stands within it.

Washington, May 17, 1806.
To Dr. Cutler.

My Dear Sir : — A few days since I had the pleasure to
receive a letter from Mr. Barclay, informing me that your
present to me was safely arrived, and should be shipped
by the first Vessel that sailed for England. Allow me to
offer my sincere thanks for your great bounty to me, and
to beg I may have the pleasure of sending you, in return,
from England, any seeds or plants you may wish for.

We shall probably sail for England next month; we
are already packed up, and only await the arrival of Lord
Selkirk, to embark. I think with pleasure of cultivating
the American plants, and have some hope Mr. Merry will
not be immediately employed, so I can enjoy my chief
delight, my garden and my farm.

From the Botanical Garden at Cambridge I have re-
ceived one hundred and fifty different sorts of seeds.
Will any of them be acceptable to you? If so, I shall
have pleasure in sending them by the first safe con-
veyance.

If Withering's Botany will be useful, I will send it at
the same time, having two Editions?

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. Merry joins me in best wishes for your health and
happiness, and I remain, my dear sir,

Your obliged friend and servant,

Eliz'th Merry.

P.S. — I beg a line from you soon. I do not yet know
at what Port we shall embark.

Samuel Harrison Smith after an exact decade relin-
quished the proprietorship of The Intelligencer with the
design of producing from the soil and sowing for literary
products. Mr. Smith would not be of

A race
Of proud-lined loiterers, that never sow,
Nor put a plant in earth, nor use a plough.

And he bought, 1803, a farm near the Rock Creek
Church, now a part of the grounds of the Catholic Uni-
versity of America. It was called Turkey Thicket; he
re-named it Sydney. The mansion has been added to,
front and rear, but its pebble-dashed sides are outlined.
Mrs. Smith's glad surprise had outlet in

All I will say is that I am delighted with it. A good
house on the top of a high hill, with high hills all around
it, embower'd in woods, thro' an opening of which the
Potomack, its shores and Mason's Island are distinctly
seen. I have never been more charmingly surprised than
on seeing this retreat, but enough of it by and by.*f

To Miss Susan B. Smith:

Washington, July 31, 1806 Thursday Evening.

* * * Last Sunday while I had my little flock around
me, the noise of carriages drew us to the door and Mr.

*Forty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.
tSeat of S. H. Smith, Esq. — Historical Sketches of the Ten
Miles Square. — Jonathan Elliot.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

and Mrs. Madison, Dr. and Mrs. Thornton and Mrs. B.
came to spend the evening. Mrs. M. was all that was
tender, affectionate and attractive as usual; Mr. M. was
in one of his most sportive moods, the Dr. in his philo-
sophical and the ladies disposed to be pleased. The
afternoon was passed sans ceremonie, they sat on the
benches beneath the trees, swung in the hammock, walked
about and Mrs. T. led the way through the kitchen to
look at my milk house ; she was so pleased that she called
the Dr., and he so pleased that he called all the rest and
so my milk house underwent the inspection of the sec-
retary, the philosopher and the good ladies.*

To Mrs. John Payne:

Montpellier, August 4, 1806.

Expressions are wanting, my dearest mother, to con-
vey to you my feelings ; I have not been very well since
hearing from poor Mary, and it seems to me I can never
feel as I have done. Dolly and Lucy both gone! they
are now angels, and can never know evil or misery ; ought
we not to console ourselves with this reflection? I
trust my beloved mother, whose trials have been so many,
will excuse her fortitude, which is to preserve her for
those of us that are left. I wrote thee by the last post,
and have written repeatedly to John, but received only
the enclosed letters. I shall now look out for vessels
going to the Mediterranean, and write by them to him :
thine for him, thee had better enclose to me. Payne is
to follow us in the stage on the 14th ; I am looking for a
letter to cheer me with the news of thy health.

Ever thine, affectionately,

Dolly.f

To Mrs. Cutts :

Washington, March 27, 1807.

I am grieved, my dear Anna, at not hearing a word
from you since you left us! What can be the matter?

*Forty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.
■fMemoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

MRS. THOMAS LAW (ELIZABETH PARKE CUSTIS)
By Gilbert Stuart

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

If the precious children engross your time, surely my
good brother would think to relieve my anxiety by writ-
ing himself. * * * I suppose you have heard that
Burr is retaken, and on his way to Richmond for trial.
We are quiet, and have but few parties. We went to the
wedding feast of Miss Stoddard, and dined last Saturday
with Mr. Erskine. Miss Clinton is still here with her
father, but they have sent for a vessel, and intend sailing
in a few days.

Ever thy loving sister,

Dolly.*

Mrs. Kate Kearney Henry has inherited by descent the
congratulory note of Mrs. Madison and her poetic cre-
ation on the birth of her mother.

26th Septr 1807

— I most sincerely congratulate you my dear friend on
the acquisition you have anounced to me this morn? —
May the Horoscope of your young daughter be the most
happy — May the bright aspect of her destiny be cronicled
in unerring lines — adieu kifs the Parent & child for one
who sighs to see them. I inclose you one more packet
for Mr W. I cannot doubt but the others have reached
him safely thro your hands we expect to set out on the
It day of Octr & it will take us 4 days to compleat the
journey.

truly yours

DM
Mr. Forrest

Twere fair — to thee I send,
The offering humble, of a tender friend
With many pious wishes for thy House
From Husband, Children, to the little Mouse

D. M

From

Mrs Madison

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

From the Charles Roberts Autographic Collection in
the Haverford College, Haverford, Pa.
To Mrs. Henry Dearborn :

My dear friend — I send you little Handkerchief & hope
it will fit you — will the General & yourself have the good-
ness to take dinner with us on Saturday? we will have
only 3 or 4 friends — pray do & let me know by your
coachman tomorrow — I am not very well this morn? or
I should have spent it with you — ever affectionately

Yours

D. P M

Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Madison's mother, died Wednesday
evening, October 21, 1807, at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Jackson. General John George Jackson was inter-
mittently a Member of Congress from Virginia, March
3, 1807 to March 3, 1817. His speeches monopolized the
Congressional columns. He was the first District Judge
for the western part of Virginia, now West Virginia.

Novr 7th 1807

Deep affliction my dear friend has for some time past
arrested my pen! My beloved & tender Mother left us
forever, on the 20th of October last — she was in Virgia
with my youngest sister where she died without suffering
or regret

The lofs is only ours, & for that only ought we, her
children to mourn !

Mr Madison writes with me in best wishes, & regard
for you & yours

D P Madison

T can have no doubt but that Fitzgerald's statement is
proper — & the balance due to us will perhaps answer for
a new ensurance, if you will have the goodnefs to apply
it—

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Senator Mitchell writes, November 23, 1807 :

Yesterday I saw at church in the new hall many of
the great folks here, and had the honor of escorting Mrs.
Madison through the crowd to her carriage. She in-
quired kindly after you, and so did Mrs. Cutts. The
former of these ladies has the prospect of being Lady
President.

By the arrangement of the Congressional chaplains,
clergymen without discrimination as to creed, were on
the Sabbath in the Speaker's chair to deliver a sermon.
The assemblies were popular and space was at a premium.
They had more of a ball-room appearance than reverence
for a sacred place or presence. Whispering and tittering
and antics calculated to destroy the chance of slumber
were in evidence as nowadays when the fashionable
gather at the theatre to prevent those from hearing or
seeing who have paid for the chance. At these assem-
blies ludicrous incidents called back to earth when the
minds were in heavenly direction.

Mrs. Smith says:

The music was as little in union with devotional feel-
ings, as the place. The marine-band were the perform-
ers. Their scarlet uniforms, their various instruments,
made quite a dazzling appearance in the gallery. The
marches they played were good and inspiring, but in their
attempts to accompany the psalm-singing of the congre-
gation, they completely failed and after a while, the prac-
tice was discontinued. — it was too ridiculous.*

Sir Augustus Foster says:

Church-service can certainly never be called an amuse-
ment but, from the variety of persons who were allowed
to preach in the House of Representatives, there un-

*Forty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

doubtedly was some alloy of curiosity in the motives
which led one to go there. Though the regular chaplain
was a Presbyterian, sometimes a Methodist, a minister of
the Church of England, or a Quaker, and sometimes even
a woman, took the Speaker's chair; and I do not think
there was much devotion among the majority. The
New Englanders, generally speaking, are very religious
but, though there are many exceptions, I cannot say as
much for the Marylanders, and still less for the Vir-
ginians.

The Rev. Mr. Brackenridge did the sermonizing some-
times. Mrs. Smith, of him, says:

This pious and reverend preacher, made up in zeal
and fidelity, what he lacked in natural talents or acquired
knowledge.*

And, Mrs. Seaton, of him says :

We heard to-day a most confused declamatory dis-
course, without method or matter, from Mr. Breckin-
ridge, who is the Presbyterian Atlas of the District.f

If Mr. Brackenridge was not a gifted preacher, he was,
at least, no false prophet. The violation of the fourth
commandment aroused his righteous indignation and he
wrathfully warned:

It is not the people who will suffer for these enor-
mities, you, the law-givers, who are the cause of this
crime, will in your public capacity suffer for it. Yes, it
is the government that will be punished, and as, with
Nineveh of old, it will not be the habitations of the people,
but your temples and your palaces that will be burned to
the ground, for it is by fire that this sin has usually been
pun i shed. %

*Forty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

^William Winston Seaton. A Biographical Sketch.

XForty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Herein are repeated anecdotes and traditions of Mrs.
Madison as history of the anecdotes and traditions and
not as actualities.

It is told that Mr. Clay called to pay his respects to
Mr. Madison; that he with the cherry-ripe smile of the
door-maid was so taken he kissed her ; that Mr. Madison
appearing on the scene, she passed the coin to him ; that,
thereupon, Mr. Clay remarked : "Had I, Madam, known
you were Mrs. Madison the coin would have been larger."

Dr. Mitchell in the letter to Mrs. Mitchell, November
23, 1807, in which he mentioned Mrs. Madison as a pros-
pective Lady President, says :

Mr. Madison and Mr. Clinton are the two prominent
characters talked of to succeed him (Mr. Jefferson.)
The former gives dinners and makes generous displays
to the members. The latter lives snug at his lodgings,
and keeps aloof from such captivating exhibitions. The
Secretary of State has a wife to aid his pretensions. The
Vice-President has nothing of female succor on his side.

And the Doctor reminds of his prophecy:

Washington, January 25, 1808.

On Saturday evening there was held a grand caucus
of the Republican members of Congress at the Capitol,
of whom about ninety were present. Their object was
to nominate a President and Vice President of the United
States for the term of four years from March 4, 1809.
Almost all the votes ran in favor of James Madison as
President, and about an equal number were given for
George Clinton as Vice President.

So, as I foretold you in my former letters, Mrs. Mad-
ison has a bright prospect of becoming Lady Presidentess,
and of being mistress of the sumptuous mansion on Pal-
atine Hill for four years.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

From John G. Jackson to Mr. Madison :

Clarksburg July 17th 1808.
My dear friend

* * * I cannot write you without saying my miseries
are past endurance; without speaking of my incalculable,
& unparallelled misfortunes — you know my Mary well,
yes you gave her to me at the Altar, you witnefsed our
union, & our happinefs you saw the little prattlers that
she gave me — In the short period of seven fleeting years
all these things took place, & above all but one, — & she
too dearest of all has been torn from me in the same
period —

Not so long after this lamentation, to wit : September
13, 1810, General Jackson accepted Mr. Madison's con-
gratulations on another marriage.*

Montpellier, August 28, 1808.

With heartfelt joy, my beloved sister, did I receive the
short letter of my brother, giving the good tidings of
your third son, and the promising health of you both.
Mr. Madison, Lucy, George and Payne were with me,
and we all clapped our hands in triumph. * * *

Lucy left me on the 24th, and George seemed no better.
We expect to go back to the city the last of September,
because of public business. The President and Madison
have been greatly perplexed by the remonstrances from
so many towns to remove the Embargo. You see they
refer to Congress, and the evading it is a terrible thing.
Madison is uneasy and feels bound to return to the seat
of government, where I shall be sorry to go so soon.
The hope of my meeting you, dear Anna, is the chief
sweetener to my prospects. The family here are as they
always are, most affectionate and kind, and send a thous-
and loves to you. I expect a large party to fill the house
next week.

Ever thy
Dolly.f

*Married Miss Mary Meigs, daughter of Return J. Meigs, Post-
master under President Madison.

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

From the Charles Roberts Autograph Collection in
Haverford College, Haverford, Pa.

To Doctr Thomas Park enclosing; November 30. 1808,
acknowledgment of rent collected from K. Fitzgerald and
Dr. Soltanstall:

You have allways been so good to me my dear friend
that I will not even now dispair of your forgiveness. —
Six weeks ago we ware flatter'd with the hope of seeing
you & your daughter in Washington, where I proposed
to make my peace by a personal explanation of all omis-
sions

As it is, permit me to assure you of my gratitude &
respect and my sincear wishes for your health & happi-
ness in which my Husband cordially joins me

DPM

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

CHAPTER III

1809-1813

HE Senator contrasts the Madison dinners and
displays with the competitor's social aloofness.
Dinners and displays are decisive diplomacy.

That all-softening, overpowering knell,
The tocsin of the soul, — the dinner-bell.

The call that appetite has on mortals will be in the
future as in the past and as in the present, equally strong.
The alarm that Lord Byron poetically acknowledges will
always have the waiting with open ears. There is music
in the tinkle of glass, melody in the rattle of knives and
forks and spoons, fragrance in the aroma and beauty in
the decoration to all who have appetite. In eating and
drinking is there zest to conversation and conviviality —
a mental elation as much as a treat to taste — and for the
time a respite from the worries. The Madison diplomacy
— dinners and displays — was not the planned means for
an end, it was the irreflective manifestation of generous
natures.

Mrs. Thornton's Diary:

(1809) March 1. Wednesday. Mr & Mrs. Madison
dined with us for the last time I suppose — also Mr. &
Mrs. Cutts Mr. Jackson — the Attorney Genl — & Mr
Craig from Phila

General Washington was not inaugurated until April
30th. The first inauguration had its inaugural ball.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The Daily Advertiser.
New York, Friday, May 8, 1789.

Last evening the Subscribers of the Dancing Assem-
bly gave an elegant BALL and ENTERTAINMENT
to his Excellency the President of the United States,
who was pleased to honor the company with his pres-
ence.— His Excellency the Vice-President, most of the
members of both Houses of Congress, the Governor of
New York, the Chancellor, and Chief Justice of the
State the hon. John Jay, and the hon. Gen. Knox, the
Commissioners of the Treasury, his Worship the Mayor
of the city, the late President of Congress, the Gov.
of the Western Territory, the Baron Steuben, the Count
de Mouftier, Ambassador of his most Christian Majesty,
and many other foreigners of distinction were present.
A numerous and brilliant collection of Ladies graced
the room with their appearance. The whole number of
persons was about three hundred. The company retired
about two o'clock, after having spent a most agreeable
evening. Joy, satisfaction and vivacity was expressive
in every countenance — and every pleasure seemed to be
heightened by the presence of Washington.

The second inaugural ball has this announcement :

Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser.

Saturday, March 2, 1793.

A Card.

THE Members of the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives of the United States are respectfully in-
vited to a Ball on the fourth March, 1793; to be given
by the Dancing Assembly in honor of the Unanimous
Re-election of GEORGE WASHINGTON, the Presi-
dent of the United States; — the Anniversary of the
Present Form of the Government of the United States;
and, a Parting Leave with the Members of the Present
Congress.

February 27th, 1793.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Neither Adams or Jefferson had the introductory fes-
tivity. The next inaugural ball after Washington's sec-
ond was Madison's at Washington.

March 4, 1809. The National Intelligencer tells of
Mr. Madison's first installation as Chief Magistrate this
way:

On Saturday, James Madison in obedience to the
voice of his country, assumed the duties of President
of the U. States. The day, from its commencement to
its close, was marked by the liveliest demonstrations of
joy. It appeared as if the people, actuated by a general
and spontaneous impulse, determined to manifest, in the
strongest manner, the interest excited by this great
event, and their conviction of the close connection be-
tween it and their happiness.

Mr. Madison came dressed to be inaugurated "in a
full suit of cloth of American manufacture, made of the
wool of Merinos raised in this country; his coat, from
the manufactory of Col. Humphreys, and his vestcoat
and small clothes from that of Chancellor Livingston,
the clothes being, we understand, severally presented by
those gentlemen."

The National Intelligencer, a Republican paper, could
recognize real merit:

Of the Inaugural Address, without attempting a
critique, we may be permitted to say, that in point^ of
stile it is chaste and nervous, and in point of principle
worthy of the man so honorable called upon to preside
over the affairs of a free and enlightened people.

Mrs. Smith says:

Mr. Madison was extremely pale and trembled ex-
cessively when he first began to speak, but soon gained
confidence and spoke audibly.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

After the inaugural ceremonies there was a reception
to the public by Mr. and Mrs. Madison at their residence
— the street was blocked with carriages and the house
thronged with people.

Says Mrs. Smith:

She looked extremely beautiful, was drest in a plain
cambrick dress with a very long train, plain round the
neck without any handkerchief, and a beautiful bonnet
of purple velvet, and white sattin with white plumes.
She was all dignity, grace and affability.

Gaillard Hunt in The First Inauguration Ball* with
the delightful detail makes then almost now — tells who
were there, how they got there and how they appeared
when there. The new President and the Presidentess
came in "the Presidential coach with its four stout horses
and black coachman and footman" ; the President of the
Board of Alderman and Mrs. Carroll, his wife, in a coach
with four mules. Mr. Carroll owned the property where
the ball was given and lived at Duddington all of two
squares from it.

National Intelligencer :

Inauguration Ball.

A Dancing Assembly will be held on the 4th inst. at
Mr. Long's Hotel — Tickets to be obtained at the bar,
on application to a Manager.

Thomas Tingey,
John P. Van Ness,
Franklin Wharton,
Daniel Carroll,
John Tayloe,
James H. Blake,

William Brent,
John Graham,
A. Henderson,
James Eakin,
John Law,
Isaac A. Cole.

♦Scribner's Magazine, March, 1905.

100

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

N. B. The Dancing will commence at 7 o'clock pre-
cisely.

March 1— 2t.*

Says Mrs. Smith of Mrs. Madison:

She looked a queen. She had on a pale buff coloured
velvet, made plain, with a very long train, but not the
least trimming — a beautiful pearl necklace, earrings &
bracelet — her head dress was a turban of the same
colour'd velvet & white satin — (from Paris) with two
superb plumes of the bird of paradise feathers. It
would be absolutely impossible for any one to behave
with more perfect propriety than she did. Unassuming
dignity, sweetness, grace — It seems to me, that such
manners would disarm envy itself & conciliate even
enemies.

To the Ball came four hundred from hereabout and
all the way from Baltimore. The grand entrance began
by Jefferson's March and the coming in of Mr. Jefferson
with his escort, Mr. Coles. The band struck Madison's
March, and followed Mrs. Madison escorted by a man-
ager, preceding Mr. Madison and Mrs. Cutts. The man-
agers presented Mrs. Madison with a dancing-card. Said
she, "What am I to do with it. I do not dance?" Re-
plied the gallant Captain Tingey, "Give it to your neigh-
bor." Responded she, "Oh, no, that would look like par-
tiality." The Captain with "Then I will" passed it to
Mrs. Cutts.

The small space was packed with people. Some stood
on benches for relief. The window panes were broken to
prevent suffocation. The crowd pressed upon Mr. and
Mrs. Madison and upon her to catch a word, or smile,

*Robert Long was the Proprietor. The northern house of
Carroll Row. Site of Library of Congress.

101

Life and Letters o£ Dolly Madison

or a look. Said Mrs. Smith, sympathetically, to him:
"I wish with all my heart I had a little bit of a seat to
offer you." With a most woe begone face, and looking
as if he could scarcely stand, said he "I wish so too." The
managers interrupted with a request that he remain to
the supper and assenting he turned to her — "But I would
much rather be in bed."

To the supper Mrs. Madison was led by General Tur-
reau de Garambonville, the French Minister, and Mrs.
Cutts by the Honorable David Montague Erskine,* the
English Minister. Mrs. Madison sat at the centre of the
table between these Ministers :

Mrs. Smith noted :

I chose a place where I could see Mrs. M. to advan-
tage. She really, in manners and appearance, answered
all my ideas of royalty. She was so equally gracious to
both French and English, and so affable to all.

John Quincy Adams in his diary noted:

And in the evening went with the ladies to a ball at
Long's in honor of the new President. The crowd was
excessive, the heat oppressive and the entertainment
bad.

Mrs. Thornton's Diary:

(1809) March 4. I went to the Capitol with Mr* F.,f
Dr T. and Mr Weightman having the carriage horses in
the Troop — an immense crowd to hear Mr M's speech —
returned & paid our respects to the new president & Lady.
— a crowd there too went to the Ball — near 400 persons
at it the old & new presidents attending Ball $4.00

March 11. Mr & M™ M. went to the Great House.
Mr M. came in after dinner for a few minutes.

*Married Frances Cadwalader; lived in Peter Mansion, 2618
K N.W.

fMrs. Richard Forrest.

102

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

March 20. We bought Mr Mrs M. tables $50.00.

Mrs. Thornton also records that the Dr. and herself
dined on the 24th of that month "at the president's with
a large party; and, on the 31st, when it rained "we went
in Mrs. Duvall's carriage to Ms first drawing room even-
ing.

The popularity of the First Lady is illustrated by the
advertisement here abbreviated :

Washington Theatre
In Honor of the Day!
* * *

THE POINT OF HONOR

or,

THE SCHOOL FOR SOLDIERS.

After which will be
presented an Entertainment,
call'd the

INDEPENDENCE OF COLUMBIA

Consisting of Singing, Dancing and Recitation to com-
mence with Mrs. Madison's Minuet and Allemands, (as
composed by Mr. Francis) By Mr. Francis and Mrs.
Wilmot.

The government conscious of its growth and greater
importance in the galaxy of the nations and in a spirit
of pride appropriated five thousand dollars for furnishing
its President's house in a more elegant style. It was done
under the supervision of the architect, Latrobe, and his
account is dated May 29, 1809.*

If at times the tie of friendship between the Madisons
and Thorntons became loosened, as likely it did, Mrs.
Madison always heartily accepted the proffer of Mrs.

*The itemized account is in Dolly Madison. — Maud Wilder
Goodwin.

103

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Thornton that it be quickly tightened. Friends as lovers
have their differences to equally enjoy the reconcilements.

23d August.

— I feel grateful to you my dear Mrs Thornton for
you(r) last letter, & particularly so, for the sentements
of friendship & affection you exprefs in it — I never had
a doubt but that the Doctr would settle his differences
with the Patent men with satisfaction & honor to him-
self— nor could I doubt that he would ever loose sight of
his antient friendship with Mr M. — I trust he will never
find it essential to go to Tortola as I cannot believe such
a removal would tend to your happinefs — in which I have
allways felt an interest — my dear Sister left me this
morng & I feel gloomy in consequence of a separation
which may be very long — dear Anna has her 3d son &
is perfectly well. Jack Madison the youth who was so ill,
is much better & at the springs — Mr Fairfax slept here
a few nights ago — when very unfortunately for us we
were visiting at brother Wms. We should have been
gratified at seeing & entertaining Mr F but he was hasten-
ing home after a Tour of the South on businefs — This
was a week ago — We go to Monticello tomorrow as pub-
lic businefs oblidges Mr M. to see the President — pray
tell me when Mrs Barlow returns from Phila & when
she's comeing to Virga & any thing else tell me, that you
can — I expect to see you before long — at least there is a
prospect of our return to W. before the end of Sept.

Adeiu for the present — give my love to your Mama &
the Docr.

Truly Yours

D P M

in such haste that I have not time to write tolerably — Mr
M & Payne add best regards —

1st Sept.

You allways write charming letters my dear Mrs T &
when I profit by them as I have done by your last I lament

my inability to return you the same For tho the world

may be dull with us, yet you, are in or near a town. I

104

H
U

5
>-*

Q
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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

am absolutely in the country where the people I see are
nearly all unknown to you — This of course must make
me lack the pleasing incident — We returned from Monti-
cello after pafsing a week with the inhabitants Mrs Ran-
dolph looks fat & cheerful her new son is a fine one but
crofs as you could wish anything to be. Ann was most
busily occupied in making drefses &c & & for her weed-
ing (wedding) which is to take place on the 15th of this
month. They wished us to be there on the occasion but
that was out of the question. The President had a good
deal of company — among them was Mr Hay who is to
Marry Mifs Monroe Mr Wert the author of the British
Spy &c I did not see Mrs Monroe or Mrs Trist who
ware in the neighborhood — on our return, we spent a day
& night at Col° Walkers — they enquired affectionately
after you — Your Mama & the Docr. Mrs Nelson re-
minded me of past times when playing on her delightful
organ — I expect the whole family in a day or 2 to pay
me a visit — we have some company, lately arrived, from
the upper country. They tell me they saw Mr & Mrs R
Smith near Bath in Berkley — so I suppose they have
changed their rout from the York to the Virg* Springs
— I am glad to find that you have gay partys now & then
& hope they will continue as I hope to join in your bustle
by & by —

I should like to see a good Play once more but fear
they will not stay with you long enuf — We have not
fixed on the day of returning, but suppose the last in this
month may bring us up — I am obliged to leave you, with-
out saying half I wish, as I am in the midst of mirth &
confusion. I am greaved to hear of the sicknefs in the
city — is it in our neighborhood? We shall not have a
good Bunch of grapes this season — all withered — Have
you heard of a Barrel of Slips Mrs Cathcart sent me? I
fear they will be spoild unlefs buried in the earth.

Adeiu Mr M & Payne beg to add their best regard &
wishes, with mine for you.

& yours,
Mrs Thornton

F Street

105

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The Rev. Teunis S. Hamlin in Historic Homes of
Washington* relates, from Tayloe's reminiscences, that
Madison having doubts of Dolly's mental qualifications,
and to test, gave her a book to read and criticize. That
she, wily Quakeress, had Burr write a letter of opinion
for her to copy. And, the letter in Burr's brilliancy con-
vinced Madison "that his lady-love's intellect was equal
to her beauty." The reverend gentleman should have
thought of the apocrypha as he repeated this unlikely
story. The fair Quakeress would hardly ask another to
do what she could so well do herself. Dolly appreciated
Burr's intermediary commission and its happy conclusion,
if endowed with ordinary gratitude. That Burr thought
himself entitled to gratitude is natural and it is a fact.
To have the advantage of that sentiment at a time of
trouble, Theodosia Burr Alston, June 24, 1809, from
Rocky River Springs, wrote to Mrs. Madison to inter-
cede with the President to permit her father to return
to the country.! And the same year, Rebecca Blodget
(Mrs. Samuel Blodget )% from Washington prayed the
President to remove the prosecution against Burr; ap-
pealing to him to ignore the justice or injustice of it, and,
indirectly, brought Mrs. Madison into the issue. And,
it is in print, that Burr surreptitiously called upon her;
that he leaped over the low paling fence enclosing the
grounds of the palace and found Mrs. Madison watering
the roses; that he seemed to argue with her and that she
silently and seriously listened; and that, in the circus
manner he came, he left.

*Scribner's Magazine, October, 1893.

fLife of Col. Aaron Burr. Charles Burr Todd.

^Portrait in Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

106

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

July 22d, 1809.
Dear Madam,

When I reflect on your amiable condescention, in con-
ferring on me the elegant representation of your present
self I am at a lofs how to thank you sufficiently — Mr &
Mrs Cadwalader who have lately seen its lovely & greatly
beloved original at Washington, both pronounce it to be
as correct a resemblance as the painters art can portray —
Indeed I cannot exprefs the variety, nor the degree of
pleasure & pride it affords to myself & all my Friends ;
Those who formerly enjoyed the pleasure of your ac-
quaintance, retrace the lines, features and expressions of
a face and form on which they once gazed with delight,
& those who have not been so favored gratify an anxious
and amiable curiosity, on beholding a just resemblance of
Her, in whose virtues they also claim an interest, as the
dignified representative of our sex in every female virtue
adorned with all her sex's beauty, grace & lovelinefs —
* * * Adieu my dearest Mrs Madison when I write
to you, I forget myself in so delightful an employment;
even now I lay down my pen with reluctance.
Believe me your most

obliged, devoted & affectionate

Phebe P. Morris.

Gaillard Hunt says :

The original house at Montpelier was built between
1756 and 1760 by Madison's father and was a plain, rec-
tangular brick edifice of four rooms. It was enlarged
at different times and various improvements made, the
most important being in 1809 by Dr. Thornton. Latrobe
also lent assistance in adding the wings. The house was
of flawless taste architecturally when Mrs. Smith paid
her visit.*

Mrs. Madison, the mother of Mr. Madison, had a sep-
arate establishment in a wing of the mansion. Mother
Madison grew old gracefully and in old age had the en-
ergy of mind of her youth.

*Forty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

107

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Smith's account of the Smiths' visit to Montpel-
lier is under date, August 4, 1809 :*

The sadness which all day hung on my spirits was
instantly dispelled by the cheering smile of Mrs. Madison
and the friendly greeting of our good President. * * *
No restraint, no ceremony. Hospitality is the presiding
genius of this house, and Mrs. M. is Kindness per-
sonified. She enquired why I had not brought the little
girls, I told her the fear of incomoding my friends. "Oh,"
said she laughing, "I should not have known they were
here, among all the rest, for at this moment we have only
three and twenty in the house." "Three and twenty," ex-
claimed I, "Why where do you store them?" "Oh we have
room in plenty." * * * At this house I realized
being in Virginia, Mr. Madison, plain, friendly, com-
municative, and unceremonious as any Virginia planter
could be — Mrs. Madison, uniting to all the elegance and
polish of fashion, the unadulterated simplicity, frank-
ness, warmth, and friendliness of her native character
and native state. Their mode of living, too, if it had
more elegance than is found among the planters, was
characterized by that abundance, that hospitality, and that
freedom, we are taught to look for on a Virginian plan-
tation. * * * The gentlemen went to the piazza,
the ladies, who all had children, to their chambers, and I
sat with Mrs. M. till bed time talking of Washington.
* * * How unassuming, how kind is this woman.
How any human being be her enemy. Truly, in her there
is to be found no gall, but the pure milk of human kind-
ness.

Mrs. Smith tells of the attentions to her, affectionate
and thoughtful and feminine. That "no man is a hero
to his valet-de-chambre" had the reverse exposition at
Montpellier in Nany, the maid: "Yes, the best I believe
in the world, — I am sure I would not change her for
any mistress in the whole country."

*Forty Years of IVashington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.
108

O
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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The spirited letter to Mr. Latrobe has the glint of
pique. It is the only letter found that shows rufflement
of temper. It was written on a spur. In Mrs. Madison's
letter may be detected irony or of the other forms of
expression that are used to wound. Be that as it may,
it phrases trenchantly various phases of worldly wisdom.
An absence of inquisitiveness about others' affairs on her
part, she has happily hit. "It is one of my sources of
happiness never to desire a knowledge of other people's
business."

Sept: 12th 1809.

Incredulous, indeed must be. the ear that receives with-
out belief the "varnished tale," but most happy would it
be, for you, could you listen without emotion, to the va-
riety of falsehoods, framed but to play, on your sensibil-
ity.— The letter I have this moment recd from you, gives
me uneasinefs; because I find my conduct, which always
contradicted any opinion, or exprefsion against you, has
been insufficient to afsure you judgment, that I would,
at least — be consistent. — In the first place my affection
for Mrs Latrobe would in itself prevent my doing injus-
tice to her Husband — & in the next, I always knew, that
/ had no right to animadvert on his journeys, or conduct,
as a public officer — {& as it is one of my sources of hap-
pinefs, never to desire a knowledge of other people's busi-
nefs). Thirdly, I never for a moment doubted your taste
or honour, in the direction of public buildings, or even in
the building of our little Carriage. The moment we ex-
amined the latter, we declared you had been deceived by
the maker.

Mrs Sweny is a woman of many words — I have never
talk'd to her, or before her, but of her work. — In your
absence; she would reherse to the Household terrible
tales of dis-affection, from the Capitol — which I lamented
for your sake — I can account for Mrs Sweny's mis-infor-
mation to you, only by supposing her offended at my
leaving her but little to do in the house — not knowing

109

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

how far I could incur additional * * * I therefore
ordered, that she should merely repair the beds. — I shall
be strict in my examination of the servants, when I return
as I wish to know those, who have taken the liberty to
misrepresent me. I will say little of the anonymous let-
ters, but that you excite my surprise at suffering them to
have the slightest effect on your spirits, or transactions.
Allow me again to thank you, with all my heart, for the
trouble you have taken, in many instances, to oblige and
accommodate me, — and tho' our enemies may strive to
throw around me, ungrateful appearances, I shall take a
pleasure in counteracting their designs. —

D. P. Madison.

Mr. Latrobe, the justly famous architect, justly, be-
cause of the monuments of his genius, had of the traits
with which a genius is privileged — excitability and irri-
tability. His genius was of such superiority he could at
once perceive the flaws in the creation of any other
genius, which, in his openness and to undeceive the peo-
ple, he promptly pointed out. The mentioned traits
caused the architect to make criticisms and contests. Mrs.
Madison ought not to have been surprised that the famous
architect was disturbed at anonymous attack. Of all at-
tacks that from the unseen and unknown source is most
destructive to peace of mind as it from uncertainty pro-
duces a spreading suspicion embracing friend and foe and
at the same time deprives the victim of defense. The
less sensitive than a genius can but suffer by the cowardly
anonymous.

Joseph Pearson came to Congress from North Caro-
lina and General Jackson, Mrs. Madison's brother-in-law,
came too from Virginia. These statesmen had a politi-
cal difference. To arbitrate its merit they decided to
shoot at each other, which they did somewhere in the out-
skirts. It was a rather difficult difference to arbitrate

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

for at the first fire was no decision. The second fire
proved that the General was right in the contention for
he hit Mr. Pearson and hurt him badly. Whether Mrs.
Madison knew aforetime of the arbitration and was
alarmed at the outcome, the newspapers have no men-
tion, neither of the affair itself.

Mr. and Mrs. Madison, the first New Year's Day of
their regime, gave a reception. It was as popular as those
of these years. Mrs. Thornton in the diary has recorded
that Monday, January 1st, 1810, was a very fine day; and

A very crowded af sembly at the presidents. We staid
about two hours, president & Lady went to Georget"
Afsembly Chariot broke at night.

George Watterston wrote novels and histories. These
were in prose. In poetry were his romances. First came
"The Wanderer in Jamaica," 1810. He dedicated this
poem to Mrs. Dolly Madison, so:

Madam, I have presumed to address this poetical ef-
fusion to you, from the reputation you have acquired of
being desirous to promote the cause of general literature.

Mr. Madison read this dedication and recognized in
it Mr. Watterston's capability as a librarian. And, at the
first available chance, he made him it for the Library of
Congress.*

The social joys and the city conditions at this period
of Mrs. Madison's life is told by Sir Augustus Foster,
then on his second visit:

Most of the members of the Congress, it is true, keep
to their lodgings, but still there a sufficient number of
them who are sociable, or whose families come to the

^History of the Library of Congress. William Dawson Johnston.

lit

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

city for a season, and there is no want of handsome ladies
for the balls, especially at George Town; indeed, I never
saw prettier girls anywhere. As there are but few of
them, however, in proportion to the great number of men
who frequent the places of amusement in the federal city,
it is one of the most marrying places of the whole conti-
nent— a truth which was beginning to be found out, and
became, by-and-by, the cause of vast numbers flocking
thither all round from the four points of the compass.
Maugre the march of intellect so much vaunted in the
present century, the literary education of these ladies is
far from being worthy of the age of knowledge, and con-
versation is apt to flag, though a seat by the ladies is
always much coveted. Dancing and music served to eke
out the time, but one got to be heartily sick of hearing
the same song everywhere, even when it was "Just like
love is yonder rose." No matter how this was sung —
the words alone were the men-traps ; the belle of the even-
ing was declared to be just like both — and people looked
round as if the listener was expected to become on the
instant very tender and to propose — and sometimes such
a result does in reality take place, and both parties, when
betrothed, use a great deal of billing and cooing, eat out
of the same plate, drink out of the same glass, and show
off their love to the whole company.

* * *

In going to assemblies one had sometimes to drive
three or four miles within the city bounds, and very often
at great risk of an overturn, or of being what was termed
"stalled," or stuck in the mud, when one can neither go
backwards nor forwards, and either loses one's shoes or
one's patience.

Anna Hollingsworth Wharton has contributed an item
of social history.*

Visitors to the capital then, as in our own day, were
expected to leave their cards at the White House. In

^Social Life in the Early Republic.
112

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

one of her letters to a friend in another city Mrs. Madi-
son expressed lively regret that some of her Philadelphia
acquaintances had not left their cards, as she wished to
invite them to dinner, and had no idea where they were
stopping, having sent to several of the "principal tav-
erns" to try to find them.

Sir Augustus Foster made a tour in Virginia. At fif-
teen miles from Montpellier he made the acquaintance of
a Scotchman, Mr. Dowie; and through him he made the
acquaintance of "the 'estimable beverage called mint-
julep." Sir Augustus says :

There are some very fine woods about Montpelier, but
no pleasure-grounds, though Mr. Madison talked of some
day laying out a space for an English park, which he
might render very beautiful from the easy, graceful de-
scent of his hills into the plains below.

I thought Mr. Jefferson more of a statesman and man
of the world than Mr. Madison, who was rather too much
the disputatious pleader; yet the latter was better in-
formed, and, moreover, a social, jovial, and good-hu-
moured companion, full of anecdote, sometimes rather
of a loose description, but oftener of a political and his-
torical interest. He was a little man with small features,
rather wizened when I saw him, but occasionally lit up
with a good-natured smile. He wore a black coat, stock-
ings with shoes buckled, and had his hair powdered, with
a tail.

In the parlors of the Union Tavern in Georgetown,
Mrs. Madison crowned the pretty Miss Margaret
O'Neale, the award for the most graceful exhibition of
the pupils of a dancing school. Miss Margaret is known
to fame as "Peggy O'Neale." In Jackson's administra-
tion, she it was, who kicked up a social storm.*

*Margaret O'Neill in Famous American Belles of the Nineteenth
Century. Virginia Tatnall Peacock.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Ever since Dolly had been Mrs. Madison, Anna, a
sister, lived with her and until she became Mrs. Cutts.
Mr. Cutts was a member of Congress from the district
of Maine, then a part of the Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts. When Mr. Cutts came to Washington, Anna
came too, and was near Dolly. Lucy, the widow of
George Steptoe Washington, came occasionally to live
with Dolly. They — Dolly, Lucy and Anna — made a
radiant trio.

Washington Irving to Henry Brevoort:

City of Washington, Jan. 13, 1811.
Dear Brevoort:

My journey to Baltimore was terrible and sublime —
as full of adventurous matter and direful peril as one of
Walter Scott's pantomimic, melo-dramatic, romantic
tales. I was three days on the road, and slept one night
in a log-house. Yet somehow or another, I lived through
it all; and lived merrily into the bargain, for which I
thank a large stock of good humor, which I put up before
my departure from New York, as travelling stores to last
me throughout my expedition. * * *

The ride from Baltimore to Washington was still
worse than the former one ; but I had two or three gen-
iuses for fellow-passengers, and made out to amuse my-
self very well. I arrived at the Inn about dusk; and, un-
derstanding that Mrs. Madison was to have her levee or
drawing-room that very evening, I swore by all my gods I
would be there. But how? was the question. I had got
away down into Georgetown, and the persons to whom my
letters of introduction were directed, lived all upon Capi-
tol Hill, about three miles off, while the President's house
was exactly half way. Here was a non-plus enough to
startle any man of less enterprising spirit; but I had
sworn to be there, and I determined to keep my oath, and
like Caleb Quotem, to "have a place at the Review." So
I mounted with a stout heart to my room ; resolved to put

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

on my pease blossoms and silk stockings; gird up my
loins ; and sally forth on my expedition ; and like a vaga-
bond knight errant, trust to Providence for success and
whole bones. Just as I descended from my attic cham-
ber full of this valorous spirit, I was met by my landlord,
with whom, and the head waiter, by-the-bye, I had held
a private cabinet counsel on the subject. Bully Rook in-
formed me that there was a party of gentlemen just going
from the house, one of whom, Mr. Fontaine Maury, of
New York, had offered his services to introduce me to
"the sublime Porte." I cut one of my best opera flour-
ishes ; skipped into the dressing-room, popped my head
into the hands of a sanguinary Jacobinical barber, who
carried havoc and desolation into the lower regions of
my face, mowed down all the beard on one of my cheeks
and laid the other in blood like a conquered province;
and thus, like a second Banquo, with "twenty mortal
murthers on my head" ; in a few minutes I emerged from
dirt and darkness into the blazing splendor of Mrs. Madi-
son's drawing-room. Here I was most graciously re-
ceived; found a crowded collection of great and little
men, of ugly old women and beautiful young ones, and
in ten minutes was hand and glove with half the people
in the assemblage. Mrs. Madison is a fine, portly, buxom
dame, who has a smile and a pleasant word for everybody.
Her sisters, Mrs. Cutts and Mrs. Washington, are like the
two merry wives of Windsor : but as to Jemmy Madison
— ah poor Jemmy! — he is but a withered little apple —
John. * * *

Since that memorable evening I have been in a con-
stant round of banqueting, revelling and dancing. The
Congress has been sitting with closed doors, so that I have
not much of the wisdom of the nation; but I have had
enough matter for observation and entertainment to last
me a handful of months. I only want a chosen fellow
like yourself to help me wonder, admire, and laugh — as
it is, I must endeavor to do these things as well as I can
by myself.

I am delightfully moored "head and stern" in the fam-
ily of John P. Van Ness, brother of William P. He is an

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

old friend of mine, and insisted on my coming to his
house the morning after my arrival. The family is very
agreeable. Mrs. Van Ness is a pretty and pleasant little
woman, and quite gay; then there are two pretty girls
likewise, one a Miss Smith, clean from Long Island, her
father being member of Congress ; she is a fine blooming
country-lass, and a great belle here; you see I am in

clover — happy dog!

Washington, Feb. 7, 1811.

Dear Brevoort:

* * *

I wish with all my heart you had come on with me, for
my time has passed delightfully. I have become ac-
quainted with almost everybody here, and find the most
complete medley of character I ever mingled amongst.
As I do not suffer party feelings to bias my mind I have
associated with both parties, and have found worthy and
intelligent men in both, with honest hearts, enlightened
minds, generous feelings, and bitter prejudices. A free
communication of this kind tends more than any thing
else to divest a man's mind of party bigotry, to make him
regardless of those jaundiced representations of persons
and things which he is too apt to have held up to him by
party writers, and to beget in him that candid, tolerant,
good-natured habit of thinking, which I think every man
that values his own comfort and utility should strive to
cultivate.

You would be amused, were you to arrive here just
now, to see the odd and heterogeneous circle of ac-
quaintances I have formed. One day I am dining with
a knot of honest, furious Federalists, who are damning
all their opponents as a set of consummate scoundrels,
panders of Bonaparte, &c, &c. The next day I dine,
perhaps, with some of the very best men I have heard
thus anathematized, and find them equally honest, warm,
and indignant; and if I take their word for it, I had been
dining the day before with some of the greatest knaves
in the nation, men absolutely paid and suborned by the
British government.

116

ANTHONY MORRIS
By James Peale

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

To show you the mode of life I lead, I give you my
engagements for this week. On Monday I dined with
the mess of officers at the barracks ; in the evening a ball at
Van Ness's. On Tuesday with my cousin Knickerbocker
and several merry Federalists. On Wednesday I dined
with General Turreau; who had a very pleasant party of
Frenchmen and democrats ; in the evening at Mrs. Madi-
son's levee, which was brilliant and crowded with inter-
esting men and fine women. On Thursday a dinner at
Latrobe's. On Friday a dinner at the Secretary of the
Navy's,* and in the evening a ball at the Mayor's. f Sat-
urday as yet is unengaged. At all the parties you meet
with so many intelligent people that your mind is con-
tinually and delightfully exercised.

Eight or more trips Mr. Irving made to Washington.
This the second, was to watch the Congressional measures
likely to disastrously affect the fortunes of the mercantile
firm (R. & E. Irving & Co. in New York and P. Irving &
Co. in England) of which he had recently become a part-
ner. An appointment as Secretary to the Minister to
France was suggested and the suggestion was pleasing to
him as "an advantageous opportunity of acquiring infor-
mation and material for literary purposes." Joel Barlow,
the poet of the Columbiad, was umbraged at the author's
alleged criticisms; and the poet being the Minister, gave
his preference to another unaware the author was in-
nocent.

To William Irving,

Washington, Feb. 16, '11.

I find that it has been the custom to leave the choice
to the minister himself, in which case I have no chance.
The Secretary of State was the first person who sug-

*Paul Hamilton.
fRobert Brent.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

gested the idea, and he is very solicitous for it; indeed,
I have experienced great cordiality from him while here.
The President, on its being mentioned to him, said some
very handsome things of me, and I made no doubt will
express a wish in my favor on the subject; more especially
as Mrs. Madison is a sworn friend of mine, and indeed
all the ladies of the household and myself great cronies.
I shall let the thing take its chance. I have made no ap-
plication, neither shall I make any; and if I go away
from Washington with nothing but the great good will
that has been expressed and manifested towards me, I
shall thank God for all his mercies, and think I have made
a very advantageous visit.
To Mr. and Mrs. Joel Barlow :

Washington, 1811 (April).

This unexpected opportunity and short notice, my be-
loved friends, scarce gives me time to embrace you
round; still I do it with my whole heart. I have re-
ceived all your most welcome letters — Mr. Barlow's and
Mr. Lee's, by the Constitution, with one, too, from Mr.
Warden — all of which I should like to answer now, were
it not that the despatches go in one hour, and I can only
return to each individual my love and best thanks for
their goodness and friendship. Before this, you know of
our Embargo, — to be followed by War ! ! Yes, that ter-
rible event is at hand, I fear; our appointments for the
purpose are mostly made and the recruiting business goes
on with alacrity. * * *

Tell Mr. Lee that I shall be ever grateful for the fatigue
and trouble he must have experienced for my sake, in
procuring the valuable collection he sent me ; the bill was
immediately paid, but he will be astonished at the amount
of duties — two thousand dollars. I fear I shall never
have money enough to send again. All the articles are
beautiful ; the heads I could not get on, being a little tight,
so I shall lay them aside until next winter, when I can
have them enlarged to fit. The flowers, trimmings, and
ornaments were enchanting. I wish I could gratify you,
my dear friend, in the matter of the portraits you so

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

kindly wish of us; but I see little prospect at present of
accomplishing it. Stuart is far from us, and we have no
painter of skill in this place; be assured, if an opportunity
occurs, I will do my best to send you what you wish.
* * * Do write me continually of your dear selves,
and what you are doing; you cannot image the impa-
tience felt when you are silent.

Your ever affectionate

Dolly Madison.*

Courtesy of the Public Library, Boston, Mass. :
William Lee Esqr

Consul for Bordeaux
Now in
Mail New York

I have the pleasure to assure you my estimable friend,
that your dear daughter had recovered her health and
bloom, previous to her Mama's letter; which I prize too
highly to indulge you with a sight of, at present, —

My good nature may perhaps be wrought upon by
your return to Washington — and I will make use of this
advantage over you, to bring you back before your de-
parture for France. Mrs. Lee is so good as to tell me,
that the ship Ann will bring the articles I sent for — she
was to sail from Bazonne about the last of Feb'y. — I
thought last week, that Mr. Barlow would have em-
barked by the end of this — but some little cause for hesi-
tation has again occurred & he may not leave us, until
the provoking Essex shall appear. My sister left me
three days ago, she charged me with many adieu's for
you & assurances of regard. I have nothing new, or
more agreeable to tell you, from the seat of Govt, than
that we go on, in cheerful tranquility, &

Tho the mast bows beneath the wind,

We make no mercenary prayers,
Nor with the Gods a bargain bind,
With future vows and streaming tears.

D P M

7". May— 11—

* Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

119

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Joel Barlow to Mrs. Madison:

Our girls will write you about courts, and fashions,

and finery. * * * My tour of duty is over. I am
now initiated in the mysteries.*

Mrs. Barlow to Mrs. Madison :

Mr. Brooks has given us many little (as well as great)
anecdotes respecting Washington and our friends there.
We had an account of the French and English ministers'
balls, with all the little etcs., the sleighing parties and the
general gayety which reigned there. * * * I want
to send you some pretty things in embroidery which are
the high style here, gold and silver with silk done on mull.
Mr. Lee has sent you so much of every kind of dress,
and it is so difficult to send to the port, and then to get
any one to take charge of valuable things, that I shall
send nothing.

Dr. Thornton's sensitiveness gave him a mercurial
character. His mercury's rise and fall was indexed by
his letters. He highly valued the Madisons' relation to
him. By their attention, he was elated and by their ne-
glect, he was depressed; and their inattention, although
otherwise, he imagined, intended.

To President Madison : —

Washington City

3d Augt 1811
Dr Sir

I lie still so very sick in bed I am obliged to get Mr
Lyon to write a few lines for me, we were exceedingly
obliged by the kind attention of your amiable Lady and
self, at the time of your departure and if your good
wishes could have reinstated me I should not be now
lieing in the low situation I am in.

*Life and Letters of Joel Barlow, LL.D. Charles Burr Todd.
120

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O

co
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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The next is undated.

Monday Morning
Sir

To prevent any suspicion of a deficiency in respect to
you and your Lady — whom we have never ceased to more
than respect & esteem — I am unwilling to permit you to
depart without expressing our sincere regret that when
your Departure was made known to all our Friends by
her farewell visit to them, and they were thereby enabled
to pay their parting respects, we remained ignorant
thereof, and were consequently precluded from joining
in so affectionate a visit. Had it been merely accident,
we should not in apologizing for an apparent want of at-
tention have had to mingle with our regrets any of those
feelings which afflict while they affect: — but I have long
had to lament a marked distance and coldnefs towards
me for which I cannot account, and am the more affected
by it, because we once enjoyed the happinefs of being
considered as among your Friends. It would have been
kind to have mentioned any cause of dissatisfaction rather
wound us by exhibiting to the world our misfortune in
the loss of your friendship & esteem. —

Farewell, & may the Almighty bless you & yours. —

William Thornton.

President of the United States.

My own beloved Phebe — Your letters have been
recd & prized beyond expression, & yet appear-
ances contradict the assertion — During my stay in Virga
I had not one solatary day for wrighting, & could onty
send a few hurried lines to my sisters. — You will then
pardon my delinquency sweet daughter & recollect a
crowded house distracts the attention and occations ne-
glect when the heart is not in fault —

We returned to this place 3 days ago, & you will
readily immagin my occupation curtesying kissing &c
&c our numerous acquaintances flock around us. — But
I am impatient to enquire whether you will not visit me
this winter? Tell dear Papa to remember & to perform

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

his promis — that my Husband & myself will receive
you with open arms. — Tell my own dear Betsy that she
owes me a letter & that Mr Waddell & herself must
come with you — / am in earnest — Phebe, & sincerely
wish you to come.

The story of Mr M having been hurt was entirely

without foundation as are many other silly reports. He
thanks you for your kind concern & sends you a kifs
for it—

I will avail myself of your offer to chuse me a facinat-
ing Head-drefs — I enclose you 20$ — my darling & you
will add to the Bonit or Turbin some artificial Flower

or fruit for the Head — I expect my sister W in a

day or two when I will write you again & more fully
— In great haste my dear girl — but ever affectionately

Yours friend

D P M.—

6 Octor II, —

Anthony St. John Baker, an English diplomatist, in
his only edition of three books, has this :

Three days after our arrival at Washington (from the
North), October 23d, 1811, the races took place. I at-
tended them, Mr. Foster driving me in his curricle. He
had the best equipage on the ground. His horses are very
fine ones, and his grooms sported their best liveries. Mrs.
Madison was present, with four grays in a chariot, and
Mrs. Tayloe in a coach and four, which were the only
equipages deserving notice, Madame Jerome's (the wife
of the King of Westphalia) being very modest, with a
pair of horses. Serurier, the French Minister, was there
on foot, followed by a servant.

It already appears that Mrs. Madison believed that
a bird, to be beautiful, must have bright plumage.
And that she gave Mr. and Mrs. Joel Barlow the
commission will not surprise.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington, November 15, 1811.

Ever Dear and Valued Friends, — Your notes giving
us an account of your progress on the water were grate-
ful, indeed, but the news of your safe arrival in France
infinitely more so. Many, many are the questions that
rise to my lips. How did you bear the voyage ? How is
dear Clara, Mr. Barlow, et cetera ? I hope soon to know
these things, which I confess interest me more than the
success of your mission, of which few have a doubt.
Even the enemies of our Minister admit his talents and
virtue; how then can any one doubt? We passed two
months on our mountain in health and peace, returning
the first of October to a sick and afflicted city. The un-
finished canal caused a bilious fever to prevail through all
its streets; many died, and Congress convened in dread
of contagion. Happily all fear is now over, and public
business engrosses them very thoroughly. * * *

The French Minister, Mr. Serurier, is still delighted
with Kalorama, and takes much pleasure in beautifying
the grounds. Mrs. Baldwin was well and cheerful when
I saw her some days since; she no doubt is writing vol-
umes, and keeps you posted as to the health of your little
dog. * * * We have new members in abundance,
with their wives and daughters ; and I have never felt the
entertainment of company oppressive until now. How I
wish I were in France with you for a little relaxation.
As for you, my dear friends, have everything and we
nothing that is beautiful. I will ask the favor of you to
send me by a safe vessel large head-dresses, a few flow-
ers, feathers, gloves, and stockings, black and white, with
anything else pretty and suitable for an economist, and
let me know the amount.* * * *

The bale of beauty came and the bill for duty was
two thousand dollars, and Mrs. Madison again thought
of economy.

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

123

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington, December 20, 1811.

My Dearest Anna: — I received with joy your letter
last evening, which, being longer than usual, raised my
spirits, which have been rather low in these troublous
times. No Constitution heard of yet; the Hornet went
to take despatches and to let them know our determination
to fight for our rights. I wrote by the Hornet to Mrs.
Barlow, and begged her to send me anything she thought
suitable in the way of millinery. I fear I cannot obtain a
new-fashioned pattern for you, but will make a cap such
as is much worn. The intrigues for President and Vice-
President go on, but I think it may terminate as the last
did. The Clintons, Smiths, Armstrongs, et cetera, are all
in the field, and I believe there will be war. Mr. Madison
sees no end to the perplexities without it, and they seem
to be going on with the preparations. General Dearborn,
you know, is nominated to command. Congress talks of
adjourning for two months, but I believe it is merely a
threatening, and they will sit until June. Before then I
trust you will be able to come on, as the roads become
passable by April.

Devotedly your sister,

Dolly Madison.*

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
124

CHAPTER
1812-1816

SS PHOEBE MORRIS and her mother came
as the guests of Mrs. Madison in 1812. Miss
Phoebe to her sister, Rebecca, in Philadel-
phia, writes:

The President and Mrs. Madison expected me before
the first of January, and were extremely sorry that we
did not arrive by that time, as it was a great day there.
The House was crowded with company from top to bot-
tom, the chambers and every room was occupied with
Ladies and Gentlemen and all descriptions of persons.
I have a dear little room, with an alcove Bed which ad-
joins Mrs. Washington's. The chamber I occupied last
year was too large and too cold for me, Mrs. Madison
said, but she gave it to Brother.* He seems very well
contented and went with me yesterday to see Mrs. Gal-
latin. Today he has set off with Mr. Payne on horse-
back to ride over the city and visit the Patent Office.
Yesterday we had a crowd of morning visitors, Miss
Caton, Mrs. Van Ness, the Miss Washingtons and a num-
ber of others whose names I cannot recollect. Maria
Ringgold is here, but I have not seen her, she is in deep
mourning and scarcely goes out at all.f

Miss Phoebe had as yet failed to see the captivating
Madame Bonaparte because that beauty had had an attack
of rheumatism, due to an imprudent exposure of her

*James Pemberton Morris.

^Social Life in the Early Republic. Anne Hollingsworth
Wharton.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

beautiful shoulders. By February 17, 1812, Miss Phoebe
could rhapsodize :

How I wish you could see Madame Bonaparte in all
the splendor of dress, and all the attractions of beauty.
I think I never beheld a human form so faultless. To
the utmost symmetry of features is added so much vi-
vacity, such captivating sweetness ! and her sylphic form
"thinly veiled" displays all the graces of a Venus de Medi-
cis. She appears particularly lovely in a fine crepe robe
of a beautiful azure colour interwoven with silver, in
this attire she is truly celestial, and it is impossible to
look on any one else when she is present.*

Mrs. Madison to Anthony Morris:

You have allways given me credit my dear friend, for
a lively perception of what was right — Upon the strength
of which, I will assure you, that your excellent letters to
our beloved Phebe are such, as I would have my sister
daughter & friend, follow, to the very letter. I think
however, that you feel two accutely the trifling observa-
tions on her indisposition, at Mrs Tayloe's ball every body
in this place understood that she had danced too much
& tho the incident was unpleasant, I am perfectly con-
vinced that her uncommon understanding, & sweet tem-
per are guaranty's for the propriety of her conduct thro'
life. I have never neglected you in my heart, tho I am
a delinquent in writing — your plan of sending James to
Europe I like better than that of going yourself — yet, if
it is your pleasure, I pray that you may be gratified.
Phebe says she will never separate from you — It gives
me pleasure to write the letters for Mr Howell — he will
find friends, in our Minister, & Consul at Paris — Why
does not James go with him ? When we have the pleasure
to see you, we will consult on the manner, & possibility
of finding a situation, worthy your acceptance at this

*Social Life in the Early Republic. Anne Hollingsworth
Wharton.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

moment I fear there are few within the gift of M-

Kifs the dear girls for me & believe us most truly yours

D P M
2d March 12

To Mrs. Anna Cutts :

Washington, March 20, 1812.

Before this reaches you, my beloved sister, Lucy will
be married to Judge Todd, of Kentucky. You are, I
know, prepared for it, and reconciled to her choice of a
man of the most estimable character. Their home is
now to be in Lexington, very near our old friend, General
Taylor, but as a Supreme Judge he is obliged to come
here for two months every winter, and binds himself to
bring her to her friends when she pleases to come. You
may imagine my grief is not slight at the parting, and
Lucy too is in deep distress.

* * * All are busy electioneering yet.

The Federalists affronted to a man. Not one of the
two houses of Congress will enter Madison's door since
the communications of Henry except Livingston, who
considers himself attached by his appointment.

Judge Todd was an aggressive suitor. The Widow
Washington was a resistant citadel. The first attack, or
call it proposal, met with repulse. Dejectedly, the Judge
in his carriage departed for his Kentucky home. Of the
widow's yielding

"to be a second prey,"
the Judge was apprized by the letter brought him by the
horseback messenger who overtook him at Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. The Judge in the carriage came back the
way he came.*

Phoebe Morris to Anthony Morris No. 72 S. Second
St. Phila.

♦Justice Todd's first wife was Elizabeth Harris of Newtown, Pa.
The incident is given by George D. Todd, Esq., of Louisville, Ky.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington, March 22d 1812
My dear Papa

I write in the most delightful yet strange agitation pos-
sible— Mrs Washington is to be married next Sunday to
Judge Todd & Mifs Hamilton, Mifs Hay & myself are
to be Bridesmaids & Mr Coles Mr Payne & Payne Todd
Groomsmen — We have already shed so many tears on the
occasion that we now begin to smile as we view the bright
side of the Picture. The Judge is so estimable & amiable
a man that every person respects & admires him; he is
very rich, very handsome.

Poor Mrs Washington has caused a great deal of dis-
trefs to herself & all of us by this unexpected event they
go off the next morning to Harewood & proceed from

thence to the Judge's estate in Kentucky — Mrs W

will write a postscript — Mrs Madison says she wishes
most earnestly that you be here at the marriage.

Your flattering Eulogium very highly valued friend,
I shall prize, and recollect, when, / am far away — the
prospect of separation now before me, from all my heart
has been accustomed to love deprefses me beyond descrip-
tion, but, we must yield to fate — I hope your wishes in
my favor may be availing — and be afsured they are sin-
cerely reciprocated to you — for the last time perhaps I

sign the Initials of

L. W. . .

National Intelligencer

Tuesday, March 31, 1812.

On Sunday evening at the residence of the President
of the United States by the Rev. Mr. McCormick,
Thomas Todd, esq. one of the Judges of the Supreme
Court of the United States, to Mrs. Lucy Washington,
sister of Mrs. Madison.

The wedding of the widower Todd and the widow
Washington is the first in the Executive Mansion.*

*Appendix F.
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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The Rev. Andrew T. McCormick and the Rev. Stephen
Bloomer Balch in making one of two were rivals. The
couple that the one did not yoke the other did. The Rev.
Mr. McCormick was of the proud faith, the Episcopalian,
and the Rev. Mr. Balch, the disciple of predistination and
the other essentials of Presbyterianism.

Mr. Madison was weak physically and strong men-
tally; he was weak in physical courage and strong in
moral courage. As the man who represented the nation
he was a manly representative; as a representative ex-
hibited a strong nation. His representation was the spirit
of himself. He resorted to no tricks to catch the people's
favor. He did not act simplicity or preach economy or
practice any other artifice. He was approachable by the
most humble. He observed the conventionalities of offi-
cial etiquette and the dazzlingly decorated diplomat had
the deference he would have had in any other cultured
country. In his day, demagogues there were, as there
always have been. They may have the people's good at
heart ; they surely have at heart their own. For political
preservation or preferment, they create and cater to
clamor. They catch the breeze of the current time and
sail with it.

Says Mrs. Madison :

The Federalists, as I told you, were all affronted with
Madison — refused to dine with him, or even come to the
house. But they have changed. Last night and the night
before, our rooms were crowded with Republicans, and
such a rallying of our narty has alarmed them into a
return.

Mr. Madison was pacific. A Federalist's taunt in the
halls of Congress "he could not be kicked into a fight"
became a common remark. He hoped the horrors of

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

war would be averted. In May, the Hornet came with
information that ended hope of favorable change. The
wrongs by Great Britain continued. Mr. Madison's pa-
tience ceased. His patriotism changed from peace to
war. His spirit stirred the national spirit. His deter-
mination for war became the people's determination.
However with division for the Federalists were united
against it and some Republicans acted with them. In
the whirlpool of discords and doubts, Mrs. Madison said :
"the world seems to be running mad, what with one thing
or another."

March 27, 1812.

The Vice-President lies dangerously ill,* and election-
eering for his office goes on beyond description — the
world seems to be running mad, what with one thing or
another. The Federalists, as I told you, were all af-
fronted with Madison — refused to dine with him, or even
come to the house. But they have changed. Last night
and the night before, our rooms were crowded with Re-
publicans, and such a rallying of our party has alarmed
them into a return. They came in a large body last night
also, and are continuing calling; even D. B. W. (who is a
fine fellow) came last night. The old and the young
turned out together. The war business goes on slowly,
but I fear it will be sure. Where are your husband's ves-
sels ? and why does he not get them in ? Congress will be
here until May, and perhaps longer, f

Washington, 1812.

I wrote you that the Embargo would take place three or
four days before it did, dear Anna.J General Dearborn

*George Clinton died April 20, 1912.

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

^Congress passed, April 4, 1812, an act laying an embargo for
ninety days, on all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United
States.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

will leave in a few days. I went to Mrs. Eustis's last
Sunday evening with Mr. and Mrs. M. — only two or
three ladies present. Foster, Serurier, General Dearborn,
Mr. Brent, and one or two other men, but dull. Mrs.
Hamilton* and Mrs. Eustisf have had parties — no one
else. Congress will not adjourn, I believe, though it has
been much spoken of; the intention is on the decline now,
from an idea that it will make a bad impression, both in
and out of our country. So now, my dear sister, it seems
May will smile on your journey to us; tell me when and
how you begin it. I received a letter by ship from Mrs.
Barlow, which I will send you. She says the Hornet will
sail in a few days, and will bring us a treaty of com-
merce, et cetera. Every prospect is fair in that quarter.J

Washington, May 12, 1812.

My Dear Anna, — John Randolph has been firing away
at the "House" this morning against the declaration of
war, but we think it will have little effect. I told you of
the Hornet and all the news it brought. We have nothing
among ourselves worth repeating. Lucy writes often and
is still delighted with Kentucky; our friends in Virginia
are all well. My dear husband is overpowered with busi-
ness, but is in good health. We had all the heads of
departments here yesterday to dinner, with their wives.

I will write you, dear Anna, every day that I can take
up my pen, and am already prepared with a room, and
every sisterly attention for your husband ; he will be here,
I hope, in time to give his vote for war. However, I may
be mistaken, and that dreaded epoch may be some dis-
tance off.

Payne is in Baltimore yet, and as much admired and
respected as you could wish. He writes me that Mrs.
Patterson and Mrs. Bonaparte are very kind to him, and
he is invited out all the time. We intend to send him
in a few months to Princeton. Kiss the sweet girls and

*Paul Hamilton, of South Carolina, Secretary of Navy.
fWilliam Eustis, of Massachusetts, Secretary of War.
XMemoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

boys for me, and sleep in peace, my dear sister. Heaven
will preserve you and yours as you trust in its great power.

Ever your own

Dolly.*

A bill declaring war against Great Britain was passed
by the House of Representatives June 4, 1812; by the
Senate, June 17; concurred by both branches, June 18.
The President issued a proclamation of war, June 19.

Sally McKean and the Marchioness de Casa Yrujo is
or are the same. Sally was the daughter of Thomas Mc-
Kean, "a signer," a Chief Justice and a Governor of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She was vivacious
and her letters likewise were lively. In the book of
beauty, wherein are beautiful women, beautiful printing
and beautiful word pictures, which book of beauty is the
Social Life in the Early Republic, is a reproduction of
the Marchioness as she was portraited by the gifted Gil-
bert Stuart.

Baltimore, June 20, 1812.

My Dear Mrs. Madison, — I arrived here about ten
days ago, and had a strong desire to write you the mo-
ment of my arrival, but the state of affairs suggested to
me this idea, that it was most prudent to suspend it until
things took a decisive turn, lest some exalted patriot
might suspect an innocent correspondence. * * *

Your son Payne has been twice to see me, but unfortu-
nately I was out both times; the Marquis saw him, and
says he is a fine young man, grown so tall and handsome.
I shall make an effort to find him to-day, and intend to
ask him if he remembers that when a little fellow he
pulled off General Van Courtland's wig at the very mo-
ment he was making me a flourishing compliment. What
has become of the old beau? * * *

*Mcmoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

* * * I verily think when I see you and Anna once
more, there is so much to tell you of what I have seen
and heard abroad as would keep me talking for three
days without stopping, and I am morally certain I should
make you laugh, and your good husband too, for I am
just as giddy and full of spirits as ever. Indeed, I am
for the French principle, never to let anything trouble
me much unless it is absolutely necessary.

Your sister Lucy is again married, I hear, but am
sorry she has gone so far off ; rumor says she has been a
great belle, and is as lovely and amiable as ever. * * *
In answer to the thousand questions I have asked about
you, they say that you never looked so well in your life,
and that you give and have given universal satisfaction
to all friends and visitors, which is, indeed, a very diffi-
cult matter, that of pleasing everybody. You, however,
were always so good, and possessed such an amiable tem-
per, as to make every one your friend. I have heard
much in your praise from the American gentlemen who
have been in Brazil, when, you may be sure, I asked hun-
dreds of questions about you all. * * * Give my
love (yes love!) to Mr. Madison, and ask him if he has
entirely forgotten me, and the dear old times? * * *
The Marquis desires his best compliments to yourself
and Mr. Madison. And believe me, my dear Mrs. Madi-
son, your old and affectionate friend,

Sally D'Yrujo.

The Morris letters, Anthony, Phoebe and Rebecca, are
too numerous for a volume of the size intended. They
are uniformly well written. In letters of earlier date than
that which follows Mr. Morris thanks Mrs. Madison for
the holiday given his daughter, Phoebe, at Washington,
and refers to Phoebe as "your daughter," as he frequently
did. He had requested Mrs. Madison to receive a sem-
inary student, Mademoiselle Victorine du Pont, the

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daughter of Mr. du Pont, near Wilmington, and a friend
of Phoebe's.*

Anthony Morris was a Quaker. He was much like
Dolly in attributes. Like her, and un-Quakerlike, he liked
war and dress. He wore no broad-brim, or sombre
suits, or said thee or thou. He came to the verge of being
read out of church because "he had the world's manners"
and signed as Speaker of the Senate a warlike measure
— to provide troops to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion.

He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
He was a lawyer and a merchant. He was a legislator
and represented his native Philadelphia. He is recol-
lected :

The Senate of Pennsylvania held their deliberations,
in an upper chamber of the State House, Anthony Morris,
Speaker, in the Chair, facing the north. His* personal
appearance from the chair, was that of an amiable, con-
templative, placid-looking gentleman, dressed fashionably

*From Senator du Pont:

Winterthur,

Delaware.

24th October, 1912.

Allen C. Clark, Esq.,

My dear sir :

In reply to your letter of the 14th instant, which was only re-
ceived on my return from Europe a few days ago, I will say that
the person to whom you refer was my aunt, Victorine Elizabeth
du Pont, born in Paris August 30th, 1792, died January 19th, 1861,
in Christiana Hundred near Wilmington, Delaware. She married
late in 1813 Ferdinand Bauduy. who died of pneumonia a few
months after the marriage. She never married again.

She was at Madame Rivardi's school near Philadelphia for a
number of years, but I do not think that she was a school girl
in 1812.

If I can give you any further information about her or her
friends, please let me know.

Yours very truly,

H. A. du Pont.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

plain, in a suit of mixed or drab cloth ; fair complexion,
and light flaxen hair, slightly powdered, his imperturbable
serenity of countenance, seemingly illuminated by a bril-
liant pair of silver mounted spectacles.

Besides his city, he had a country place, "The High-
lands," situated on the Skippack Road in Montgomery
county; and another, the Bolton farm in Berks county.
He was born February 10, 1766; married in 1790; and
from 1808 was a widower.*

Mrs. Madison liked Mr. Morris; she loved Phoebe.
Her affection had a test — to exert her influence for Mr.
Morris. He went to live on the Bolton farm ; but neither
the city air nor the country air of the Commonwealth was
helpful to his health; he needed a more decided change.
He concluded that a foreign mission would be the real
restorative.

Mr. Morris made undoubtedly a skillful diplomatist
for he was diplomatic. To the letter, next quoted, is a
long postscript, in which he tells of the numerous impor-
tunities for introductory letters which he declines while
he denies the reported relationship but that he could not
decline the request of his estimable friend, Samuel Mif-
flin, and reminds it was only politeness, for Mr. Mifflin
seeks the place which he seeks.

Bolton Farm, July 20, 1812.
My hond Friend

I have by this mail written to the President relative
to an appointment, which involves in its consequences
(should they at any time be such as I wish) so much
of the fate of our darling Phoebe, that I should from
this consideration only be inexcusable in not mentioning
it to you; while I anticipate the probability that from
various causes my views may not now be attainable, I

*The Morris Family of Philadelphia. Robert C. Moon, M.D.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

indulge the belief that neither the personal wishes of the
President or yourself will be among the number; I shall
therefore easily reconcile myself to a disappointment,
which will come with healing on its Wings ;

I yet feel most sensibly and almost constantly my
honord friend, the necefsity of a total change of scene
to my health, my feelings, and my Interests. I wish to
try a new heaven, and a new earth, thro every clime, I
should carry with me, the recollection of those Friends,
which have been ever my most endearing consolations,
from the enchanting days of Youth & Joy, to the ma-
turity of meredian life, Hope would still flatter me with
a return to them, and to my native land regenerated, and
restored to feelings, without which, Life, is only a duty
to be endured; while mine lasts, among its principal
pleasures, will be the remembrance of your early and un-
interrupted friendship; the terms of your last grateful
evidence of flattering attention, in the sanction of Mifs
Dupont's introduction, I shall ever cherish with particu-
lar pride and pleasure; the Sensations which both these
sources of gratification confer, I shall always experience
with those of the purest Esteem & Gratitude, while I
am permitted to subscribe myself

Yr truly sincere & faithful Friend

A. Morris

Francis Jeffrey, of the Edinburgh Review, who visited
the city of Washington in 1812 said, "Mr. Madison re-
minded me of a schoolmaster dressed up for a funeral."
This jocular detraction is related by Benjamin Ogle Tay-
loe in his reminiscences ; he is moved to resentment. Mr.
Madison was too large of mind to have minded the jest.
Although himself the subject, his merriment, in the out-
let, would have been, at least, a smile. Mr. Jeffrey be-
came a Lord, an English Lord, and aspired for an Amer-
ican wife and he achieved his aspiration.*

*Charlotte Wilkes, of New York, grandniece of the English
politician, John Wilkes.

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Tom Moore ridiculed America; Mr. Jeffrey ridiculed
America. Lord Jeffrey ridiculed Tom Moore; Tom
Moore proposed a dual. Jeffrey and Moore went to
Chalk Farm near London to shoot with powder in their
pistols and nothing else and both made themselves ri-
diculous. (1806.)

With Mrs. Madison the cares of the human race
slipped by in the sight of flying horses.

Mrs. Seaton's diary:*

October, 1812.

Yesterday was a day of all days in Washington —
hundreds of strangers from Maryland and Virginia in
their grand equipages, to see a race ! Gov. Wright with
his horses to run, Col. Holmes with his, and people of
every condition straining at full speed. Mr. and Mrs.
Madison, the departments of government, all, all for the

race! Major L , who is hand and glove with every

grandee, and perfectly in his element, called for William,
while I accompanied Dr. and Mrs. Blake, and old Gov-
ernor Wright of Maryland, in their handsome carriage
to the field. It was an exhilarating spectacle, even if one
took no interest in the main event of the day; and such
an assemblage of stylish equipages I never before wit-
nessed.

From Mrs. Seaton's diary is culled her first drawing-
room experience :

November 12, 1812.

* * * On Tuesday, William and I repaired to the
palace between four and five o'clock, our carriage set-
ting us down after the first comers, and before the last.
It is customary, on whatever occasion, to advance to the
upper end of the room, pay your obeisance to Mrs. Madi-

* William Winston Seat on of the National Intelligencer. A Bio-
graphical Sketch.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

son, courtesy to his Highness, and take a seat ; after this
ceremony being at liberty to speak to acquaintances, or
amuse yourself as at another party. The party already
assembled consisted of the Treasurer of the United
States; Mr. Russell, the American Minister to England;
Mr. Cutts, brother-in-law to Mrs. Madison; Gen. Van
Ness and family; Gen. Smith and daughter from New
York; Patrick Magruder's family;* Col. Goodwyn and
daughter; Mr. Coles, the Private Secretary; Washington
Irving, the author of Knickerbocker and Salmagundi;
Mr. Thomas, an European; a young Russian, Mr. Poin-
dexter, William R. King and two other gentlemen; and
these, with Mr. and Mrs. Madison, and Payne Todd, their
son, completed the selected company.

Mrs. Madison very handsomely came to me and led
me nearest the fire, introduced Mrs. Magruder, and sat
down between us, politely conversing on familiar sub-
jects, and by her own ease of manner, making her guests
feel at home. Mr. King came to our side sons ccremonie,
and gayly chatted with us until dinner was announced.
Mrs. Magruder, by priority of age, was entitled to the
right hand of her Hostess; and I, in virtue of being a
stranger, to the next seat. Mr. Russell to her left, Mr.
Coles at the foot of the table, the President in the mid-
dle, which relieves him from the trouble of serving guests,
drinking wine, etc. The dinner was certainly very fine;
but still I was rather surprised, as it did not surpass some
I have eaten in Carolina. There were many French
dishes, and exquisite wines, I presume, by the praises be-
stowed on them; but I have been so little accustomed to
drink, that I could not discern the difference between
Sherry and rare old Burgundy Madeira. Comment on
the quality of the wine seems to form the chief topic after
the removal of the cloth, and during the dessert, at which
by the way, no pastry is countenanced. Ice-creams, mac-
caroons, preserves and various cakes are placed on the
table, which are removed for almonds, raisins, pecan-

librarian of Congress and Clerk of the House of Repre-
sentatives.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

nuts, apples, pears, etc. Candles were introduced before
the ladies left the table; and the gentlemen continued half
an hour longer to drink a social glass. Meantime Mrs.
Madison insisted on my playing on her elegant grand
piano a waltz for Miss Smith and Miss Magruder to
dance, the figure of which she instructed them in. By
this time the gentlemen came in, and we adjourned to the
tea-room, and here in the most delightful manner imagin-
able I shared with Miss Smith, who is remarkably intelli-
gent, the pleasure of Mrs. Madison's conversation on
books, men and manners, literature in general, and many
special branches of knowledge. I never spent a more
rational or pleasing half hour than that which preceded
our return home. On paying our compliments at parting,
we were politely and particularly invited to attend the
levee the next evening. * * * I would describe the
dignified appearance of Mrs. Madison, but I could not
do her justice. Tis not her form, 'tis not her face, it is
the woman altogether, whom I should wish you to see.
She wears a crimson cap that almost hides her forehead,
but which becomes her extremely, and reminds one of a
crown from its brilliant appearance, contrasted with the
white satin folds and her jet black curls; but her de*-
meanor is so far removed from the hauteur generally at-
tendant on royalty, that your fancy can carry the re-
semblance no further than the headdress. * * * In
a conspicuous position every fault is rendered more dis-
cernible to common eyes, and more liable to censure;
and the same rule certainly enables every virtue to shine
with more brilliancy than when confined to an inferior
station in society; but I, and I am by no means singular
in the opinion, believe that Mrs. Madison's conduct would
be graced by propriety were she placed in the most ad-
verse circumstances of life.

Mr. Preston has in his journal his first visit to the
Madisons. He was eighteen and the year 1812.

I and my conductor proceeded in the hack in utter
silence. The appearance of the house and grounds was
very grand. There was a multitude of carriages at the

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

door ; many persons were going in and coming out ; espe-
cially many in gaudy regimentals. Upon entering a
room where there were fifteen or twenty persons, Mr.
Madison turned toward us, and the General said, present-
ing me, "My young kinsman, Mr. Preston, who has come
to present his respects to you and Mrs. Madison." The
President was a little man with powdered head, having
an abstracted air and a pale countenance, with but little
flow of courtesy. Around the room was a blaze of mili-
tary men and naval officers in brilliant uniforms. The
furniture of the room, with the brilliant mirrors, was
very magnificent. While we stood, Mrs. Madison entered
— a tall, portly, elegant lady, with a turban on her head
and a book in her hand. She advanced straight to me,
and, extending her left hand, said: "Are you William
Campbell Preston, the son of my old friend and most
beloved kinswoman, Sally Campbell?" I assented. She
said : "Sit down, my son ; for you are my son, and I am
the first person who ever saw you in this world. Mr.
Madison, this is the son of Mrs. Preston who was born
in Philadelphia." The President shook hands with me
cordially. "General Wilkinson," said Mrs. Madison, ad-
dressing a gentleman who seemed to have been dipped
in Pactolus, "I must present this young gentleman to our
distinguished men — Captain Decatur, Mr. Cheves; and
yet, after all, you would as soon be presented to the
young ladies," turning to three who entered at this mo-
ment, "Miss Maria Mayo, Miss Worthington and your
kinswoman, Miss Sally Coles. Now, young ladies, this
young gentleman, if not my son, is my protege, and I
commend him to your special consideration. With you,
he shall be my guest at the White House as long as he
remains in the city. I am his mother's kinswoman, and
stand towards him in the relation of a parent." All this
was performed with an easy grace and benignity which
no woman in the world could have exceeded. My awk-
wardness and terror suddenly subsided into a romantic
admiration for the magnificent woman before me.

Thus suddenly and strangely domesticated in the Pres-
ident's house, I found myself translated into a new and

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fairy sort of existence. Edward Coles was private secre-
tary to the President, a relation, a thorough gentleman,
and one of the best-natured and most kindly-affectioned
men it has ever been my fortune to know. He was an in-
mate of the house, as were Miss Mayo, afterwards Mrs.
General Scott, and Miss Coles, afterwards Mrs. Andrew
Stevenson. These ladies were experienced belles, used
to reigning over a multitude of willing subjects. They
soon turned me to account; made me useful as an at-
tendant; were entertained by my freshness — perhaps
amused at my greenness. I rode with them, danced with
them, waited on them, and in a short time they created
or developed in me a talent for thread paper verses, on
which they levied contributions. When I met Mrs. Scott
in New York, she gracefully, and even touchingly, alluded
to one of these half-extempores, which, with the tact
that made her so admired, she had remembered for thirty
years.

His (Madison) labors were incessant; his countenance
was pallid and hard ; his social intercourse was entirely
committed to Mrs. Madison, and was arranged with in-
finite tact and elegance. He appeared in society daily,
with an unmoved and abstracted air, not relaxing, except
towards the end of a protracted dinner, with confidential
friends. Then he became anecdotal, facetious, a little
broad occasionally in his discourse, after the manner of
the old school. His most confidential companion was
a Mr. Cutts, a kinsman of his wife, whom General Jack-
son afterwards removed from office. This gentleman
habitually recounted to the President, over a glass of
wine, the news, gossip and on dits of the day. Mr. Madi-
son listened with interest to his details, frequently inter-
posing questions in a dry, keen way, and, as it seemed
to me, directing his inquiries more to personal matters
than to things of real importance. He showed more
interest in hearing about General Marshall, as he called
the Chief Justice, than in regard to any one else, fre-
quently asking, "What does General Marshall say about
such and such matters?" For the diplomatic corps (I
forget who they were) he habitually, and somewhat os-

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

tentatiously, expressed the most thorough contempt. Mrs.
Madison told me the necessities of society made sad in-
roads upon his time, and that she was wearied of it to
exhaustion. As she always entered the drawing-room
with a volume in her hand, I said : "Still you have time to
read." "Oh, no," said she, "not a word; I have this book
in my hand — a very fine copy of Don Quixote — to have
something not ungraceful to say, and, if need be, to sup-
ply a word of talk." She was always prompt in making
her appearance in the drawing-room, and when out of it
was very assiduous with household offices. She told
me that Mr. Madison slept very little, going to bed late
and getting up frequently during the night to write or
read; for which purpose a candle was always kept burn-
ing in the chamber. When not in company, he habitually
addressed Mrs. Madison by the familiar epithet of
"Dolly," under the influence of which the lady, and on no
other occasion, relaxed the deliberate and somewhat
stately demeanor which always characterized her. I was a
gay young man, favorably received and considered in con-
sequence of being in the White House and a pet of Mrs.
Madison's, she being universally beloved and admired.

Lucia Beverly Cutts is the authority for the episode
that a visiting red man, painted and feathered, wandered
into Mrs. Madison's chamber; that she on entering saw
him in the mirror ; that she walked unconcernedly into an
adjoining room; that she summoned a negro domestic
and then re-entered her room. Mrs. Madison and the
domestic gently persuaded the astonished aborigine he
was in the wrong place.

The addition of date and detail is in Mrs. Thornton's
diary :

1812. August 17. Indians dined at the president's.

22. We were preparing to go to the
farm* when Mrs. Madison sent to invite us to see the

*Four miles beyond Georgetown on the Fredericktown road.
At or in vicinity of Chevy Chase.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Indian Talk — there were 40 of different tribes several of
whom made speeches after the president had done — The
presents were afterwards given lasted six hours —

August 26. Set off after dinner to go to George Tn
saw an assemblage at the president's and stopped— saw
the Indians dance a little & then returned home.

Mrs. E. F. Ellet has this incident :

At one of her receptions, a tall, dangling youth, fresh
from the backwoods, made his appearance, and took his
stand against a partition wall. He stood in that position
like a fixture for half an hour, and finally ventured to
take a cup of coffee, which it was then the custom to hand
around. Mrs. Madison's keen eye had noticed his em-
barrassment, and she wished to relieve it. She walked
up and addressed him. The poor youth, astonished,
dropped the saucer on the floor, and unconsciously thrust
the cup into his breeches pocket. "The crowd is so great"
— remarked the gentle lady — "that no one can avoid being
jostled. The servant will bring you another cup of cof-
fee. Pray, how did you leave your excellent mother?
I had once the honor of knowing her but I have not seen
her for some years?" Thus she continued, till the poor
youth felt as if he were in the company of an old ac-
quaintance. He took care, secretly and soon, to dislodge
the protuberance in his pocket.*

It is a charming story of Dolly Madison and an old
Quaker friend of hers who was dining at the President's
house. She appeared in a handsome evening gown that
showed her fair shoulders, and raising her wine glass to
her lips, bowed to her guest saying gaily: "Here's to thy
absent broadbrim Friend Hallowell," to which came the
quick retort, with a stately bow, "And here's to thy
absent kerchief, Friend Dorothy."

*The Court Circles of the Republic.

143

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The anecdotes of Dolly Madison may be apocryphal
and the reminiscences be romance yet both are legiti-
mately a part of her after-life written biography. Time
has given a seal of authenticity. Their accuracy, that
is exactness to the details of truth, may be doubted for
besides the weakness of memory is the inclination to color
with shades more fancy or more strong, in other words,
to exaggerate. As anecdotes and reminiscences of her,
her written life to be anywise complete must take cog-
nizance of them. So often repeated have some of them
been that the thought of her brings the thought of them.
Whether true, partially true or not true at all, like par-
ables which have their correlative moral, the stories of
Dolly Madison emphasize her charming characteristics.

Before the close of the year 1811 Mrs. Madison pre-
dicted war. President Madison, June 1, 1812, in a con-
fidential message recited the causes of complaint against
Great Britain and declared it the duty of Congress to
decide, by constitutional authority, whether should be
longer endured the wrongs without resistance and retalia-
tion. In August, General William Hull surrendered De-
troit without defense while Captain Isaac Hall scored
a signal victory with the frigate Constitution over the
British frigate, Guerriere. This success and the succes-
sive naval conquests gave the British boast of driving the
"bits of striped bunting" from the ocean, a sinking of
pride.

John Jacob Astor at the date of the letter was forty-
nine years of age. His visits to Washington were in con-
nection with his investments in securities of the general
government. It is tradition, his pleasant relationship
with the Madisons. It is passed down that he made for
the Madisons a purchase of a dinner set and failed to send
a bill for it. Mr. Astor and Richard Forrest were guests

144

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of the President, and the set was so decorately effective
that Mr. Forrest was surprised into an exclamation. This
so pleased Mr. Astor that he imported a similar set for
Mr. Forrest. Pieces of the open-work china are prized
possessions of Mrs. Henry, a granddaughter. Mr.
Astor sold furs, pianos and almost anything that is now
sold in a modern mammoth department store.

Mr Astor presents his best respects to Mrs Madison
and begs Leave to afsure her that he had not for gotten
the box of Tea which he had promised to send the Delay
arose from a desire of sending the very best which he
might receive and he there for waited for a second arrival
from Canton and to make sure that Mrs Madison should
have the best he send a small box of each Cargo the En-
terprize & the Hannibal the former he send by Land
to the care of Mr Forest & the later by watter in the Sloop
Astria which he hopes will have safe arrivel — he has
taking the Liberty to add two Boxes of superior sweet
oile & two small Boxes contain'g Maderia wine the Later
he Requests Mrs Madison will have the goodnefs to pre-
sent to Mr Madison as wine which has been at the River
Columbia on the northwest coast of this continent &
which is perhaps of the onley wine in this country which
has ben In that river — Mr Astor Recollects with great
pleasure all the good wishes which Mrs Madison ex-
prefsed for him when he was Last at Washington — and
he has not forgotten The bargain made at that time — he
well remembers M™ Madison's Afsurances that all Mr
Astors ships should arrive and he is happy to say that two
have arrived from Canton with valuable Cargoes two are
yet out both to China should they arrive agreeable to Mrs
Madisons goodwishes one of them shall be transferred
to Mrs Madison and it shall be the best of them.

New York 29 Nov 1812

December 8, 1812. The National Intelligencer issued
an extra. The city was illuminated. News had come of
a third naval victory. By coincidence a Naval Ball was
set for that evening. It was in honor of the heroes of

145

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the sea, Captain Hull, Morris and Stewart. The banquet
room of Tomlinson's Hotel was decorated with the flags
of the conquered Alert and the Guerriere. In the gayety,
unexpectedly, appeared Lieut. Hamilton, bearing the flag
of the Macedonian, conquered by Captain Decatur. The
wildest enthusiasm prevailed. "Yankee Doodle" quick-
ened the already quick pulse of patriotism. Mrs. Madi-
son was the recipient of the trophy.

Mr. Barlow died at Zarnowiec near Cracow in Poland,
December 24, 1812. While on a journey acute inflam-
mation of the lungs caused his death.

Miss Clara Baldwin to Mrs. Madison :

Paris, 16th February, 1813.

Death has entered our happy family and torn from
it its head, its support, its all, and left us a prey to sorrow
and unavailing regret. My poor sister is overwhelmed
with anguish, and the melancholy task of writing to those
friends who best knew and loved the dear departed de-
volves on me; and after our family, you, our much es-
teemed friend, will most sensibly feel this cruel be-
reavement. * * *

This circumstance adds double poignancy to our an-
guish, especially to my poor sister's : it harrows up her
soul to think his precious remains lie buried in such a
distant, savage land, and that in a few months there will
be an impassable distance between her and them. It
would be a melancholy consolation to her if they were
deposited at Kalorama or indeed in any part of the coun-
try he loved so well, and in whose service he expired. I
hope his countrymen will do justice to his worth and
his virtues, and that his memory will live forever.*

•P T *P

Mrs. Upton quotes from a letter that part which de-
scribes the First Lady's costume at the reception on New
Year's Day, 1813:

*Life and Letters of Joel Barlow, LL.D. Charles Burr Todd.
146

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison received in a robe of pink satin,
trimmed elaborately with ermine, gold chains and clasps
about her waist and wrists, and upon her head a white
satin and velvet turban with a crescent in front, and
crowned with nodding ostrich plumes.*

Mrs. Madison wrote many letters and in not one is
argument or anger predicated on politics. She says to
Mr. Madison, November 1, 1805:

I wish you would indulge me with some information
respecting the war with Spain, and the disagreement with
England, which is so generally expected. You know I
am not much of a politician, but I am extremely anxious
to hear (as far as you think proper) what is going for-
ward in the Cabinet. On this subject, I believe you would
not desire your wife to be the active partisan that our
neighbor is, Mrs. L., nor will there be the slightest dan-
ger, while she is conscious of her want of talents, and
the diffidence in expressing those opinions, already im-
perfectly understood by me.

Mrs. Madison's province was that of cementing friends
and conciliating foes. To this end she contributed
friendliness, tact, talk and Celtic wit. She had a won-
derful faculty of remembering faces and facility in re-
calling facts; and she could tell the addressed something
of himself thereby assuring him, the addressee, of what
was already more than suspected — his wide known im-
portance. It has been said that Mrs. Madison made Mr.
Madison the second time the President.

Writes James G. Blaine of her :

She saved the administration of her husband, held him
back from the extreme of Jeffersonism and enabled him

*Our Early Presidents, their Wives and Children. Harriet Tay-
lor Upton.

147

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

to escape the terrible dilemma of the war of 1812. But
for her De Witt Clinton would have been chosen Presi-
dent in 1812.

This is not provable even if probable. No doubt she
did make his rocky road to Dublin more travellable.
In the early administrations, political ambitions made
personal animosities. Now, politics is a game and the
politicians in friendly rivalry try their luck with the pub-
lic like boys on a bank with line, bait and hook to catch
the nibbling fish.

Although Mrs. Madison did not become involved in
the antagonisms and animosities, she was not unmindful
of what was passing in the political world. The criti-
cisms of Mr. Madison and of herself, of his and her
friends must have, at least, annoyed her. She, however,
had the wisdom or knowledge of human nature, to recog-
nize that the criticism of Mr. Madison was co-incident
to his high position and in consequence, of the turbulence
of the times; that the criticisms were as clouds that pass
with the storm and only for the time hide the beauties of
the firmament. She thought deeply and the depth of
though is evident in her deduction :

All this is from the people, not from the Cabinet, yet
you know everything vibrates there.

The politicians like the pendulum swing to a motive
power; the power is the people; and the politicians are
very careful not to move in discord and to their relegation.

March 4, 1813. The second inaugural address had the
confidence of a Commander-in-Chief :

As the war was just in its origin, and necessary and
noble in its objects, we can reflect with a proud satisfac-
tion, that, in carrying it on, no principle of justice or

148

OS
>

0-
f-

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

honor, no usage of civilized nations, no precept of cour-
tesy or humanity have been infringed. The war has been
waged on our part with scrupulous regard to all these
obligations, and in a spirit of liberality which was never
surpassed. * * *

Already have the gallant exploits of our naval heroes
proved to the world our inherent capacity to maintain
our rights on one element. If the reputation of our arms
has been thrown under clouds on the other, presaging
flashes of heroic enterprize assure us that nothing is
wanting to corresponding triumphs there also, but the
discipline and habits which are in daily progress.

Mrs. Seaton says :

The Chief Magistrate's voice was so low, and the
audience so very great, that scarcely a word could be dis-
tinguished. On concluding, the oath of office was ad-
ministered by the Chief Justice, and the little man was
accompanied on his return to the palace by the multitude ;
for every creature that could afford twenty-five cents for
hack-hire was present. The major part of the respect-
able citizens offered their congratulations, ate his ice-
creams and bon-bons, drank his Madeira, made their bow
and retired, leaving him fatigued beyond measure with
the incessant bending to which his politeness urged him,
and in which he never allows himself to be eclipsed, re-
turning bow for bow, even to those ad infinitum of Ser-
rurier and other foreigners.

is*

The inaugural ball was at Davis's Hotel* and with the
dignitaries was "a most lively assemblage of the lovely
ones of our district."

The journal entry of Mrs. Seaton has that Mrs. Madi-
son invited her to the drawing-room of Wednesday —
which were every Wednesday evening — and "not to de-
sert the standard altogether."

♦Pennsylvania Avenue between Sixth and Seventh Streets, north
side.

149

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The optimism expressed in the inaugural address was
not the spirit of all ; at least, not of Gouveneur Morris, the
friend of Clinton, Madison's vanquished opponent, for
writes he :

When I read Mr. Madison's message I supposed him
to be out of his senses, and have since been told that he
never goes sober to bed. Whether intoxicated by opium
or wine was not said, but I learned last winter, that pains
in his teeth had driven him to use the former too freelv.
The administration can do nothing, if the British Min-
ister be not crazy too, for these cannot but know how im-
possible it is for us to prosecute the war. Of course, their
reply to our overtures is, "We will consider."*

Because Mrs. Madison had her own way of spelling
some words and spelled differently than in the spelling
book she is said to have been deficient in education. Men
of undoubted erudition and who have their names in-
scribed on parchments of final degrees have had, like-
wise, their own orthography. Mrs. Madison particularly
during the presidency was Mr. Madison's amanuensis.
And she consistently to her system made were into zvare
and changed ie into ei. She was not unyieldingly stub-
born or stubbornly antagonistic and along her time she
slipped easily concessions from her own to the more
recognized rule in the collocation of the letters in words.

Mrs. Madison to Miss Phoebe Morris, 1813.

You remember the Judges; they have been some time
amongst us, and are as agreable as ever. They talk of
you continually, particularly Story — all but Judge Todd
who has remained with dear Lucy to nurse their young
daughter of whom they are very proud. It is called

*Diary and Letters of Gouveneur Morris. Edited by Anne Cary
Morris.

150

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Madisonia Dolley. The last name I am determin'd shall
be left out when they come to me next summer.*

Edward Coles was at the dates of the next two letters
the private secretary to the President; he was absent to
recover health. He became Governor of Illinois.

Washington, May 12. 1813.

Your letter caused me great affliction, my dear cousin;
the continuation of your illness and Payne's reluctance
at leaving America, left me without fortitude to write,
until now that a letter has come from my son on ship-
board, in which he expresses satisfaction at all around
him. He had seen Mr. Swertchkoff, who assured him
you would soon be well in spite of yourself. YVe indulge
this pleasing hope in addition to that of your remaining
with us. to the last. Xot that I would for the world re-
tard any plan for your prosperity; but that I natter my-
self the western country may be given up for something
more consonant with your happiness, and that of your
connections, among them there are none who feel a more
affectionate interest in you than Mr. Madison and my-
self. I hope you will believe that such is our regard and
esteem for you that we should consider your leaving us a
misfortune. Mr. Madison can do very well without a
secretary until your health is reestablished. The winter
is not the season for emigration, so that next summer you
will be better able to make your election — to go or not
to go.

And now if I could I would describe to you the fears
and alarms that circulate around me. For the last week
all the city and Georgetown (except the Cabinet) have
expected a visit from the enemy, and were not lacking
in their expressions of terror and reproach. Yesterday
an express announced the pause of a frigate at the mouth

*Social Life in the Early Republic. Anne Hollingsworth
Wharton.

151

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of the Potomac. The commander sent his boats to ex-
amine a Swedish ship that lay near, but our informer
was too frightened to wait for further news. We are
making considerable efforts for defense. The fort is
being repaired, and five hundred militia, with perhaps as
many regulars, are to be stationed on the Green, near the
Windmill, or rather Major Taylor's. The twenty tents
already look well in my eyes, who have always been an
advocate for fighting when assailed, though a Quaker.
I therefore keep the old Tunisian sabre within reach.
One of our generals has discovered a plan of the British,
— it is to land as many chosen rogues as they can about
fourteen miles below Alexandria, in the night, so that
they may be on hand to burn the President's house and
offices. I do not tremble at this, but feel hurt that the
admiral (of Havre de Grace memory) should send me
word that he would make his bow at my drawing-room
very soon. Mrs. Bounaparte and Miss Stevenson re-
turned to their house four clays ago to secure their ward-
robe, but I question whether they leave us again, as
strangers and members are crowding in. Mr. Monroe
and family dined with us yesterday in a large party given
to Mr. Jones. Mr. Hay is with them, having come to
escort Mrs. Monroe to Richmond on a visit of three
weeks to her two daughters. Cousin Sally is still in South
Carolina, and Miss Mayo is as gay as ever. Anna has
not been very well of late, and her children are ill with
measles, so that I confine myself very much with them.
Be careful of yourself, dear cousin, and return as soon
as you can to your anxious friends.

Dolly Madison.*

Dear Sir

* Would a confidential service for a time at
Cadiz, in an informal character be acceptable to you?
The service is of an important nature and implies a re-
spectable though unaccredited c^ in some respects un-

* Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
152

DR. WILLIAM THORNTON

By Gilbert Stuart

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

avowed agent. The allowance will be at the rate of up-
wards of $3,000. * * *

Accept my friendly respects

James Madison.

May 5, 1813.
A. Morris, Esq1'

Spain claimed territory, known as West Florida, on
either side of the Mississippi, ceded by France to the
United States. The mission related to this. His serv-
ices are highly praised in the letter of recall, October
11, 1814, consequent to the appointment of a Minister
to Spain.

Written from Philadelphia :

My dear Friend

I write to you in sincere anxiety for the health of the
President, & flatter myself that you will indulge me with
at least a line to say whether the reports of his illnefs are
not exaggerated, be afsured my dearest Mrs Madison
of my sympathy and tendernefs for every incident which
interests you, & particularly for one of this nature in
which I shall ever feel a peculiar & personal concern.
The anxiety of your mind must be so great on this sub-
ject that I only mention at Papa's request the determina-
tion he has made to leave us all here except Brother that
he may be at more liberty to avail himself of the first
opportunity which shall present itself from any port —
Adieu my dearest

Mrs Madison

June 24. (1813) P. P. Morris.

To Edward Coles:

July 2, 1813.

I have the happiness to assure you, my dear cousin,
that Mr. Madison recovers; for the last three weeks his
fever has been so slight as to permit him to take bark
every hour and with good effect. It is three weeks now

153

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

I have nursed him, night and day, — sometimes with
despair! but now that I see he will get well I feel as if
I might die myself from fatigue. Adieu!

Ever yours,

D. P. Madison.*

Anne Hollingsworth Wharton says:

Edward Coles, who had been private secretary of
Mr. Jefferson, retained his position under his successor
until he was sent by Mr. Madison as special ambassador
to Russia. Mr. Coles, one of Mrs. Madison's numerous
Virginia cousins, was a man of much more than ordinary
ability and breadth of view. After his return from Rus-
sia, being conscientiously opposed to slavery, Mr. Coles
removed to Illinois and there freed the large number of
slaves that he had inherited from his father, giving each
head of a family one hundred and sixty acres of land.
He was afterwards elected governor of Illinois and others
prevented the pro-slavery faction in that State from
gaining control. Edward Coles passed the last years of
his life in Philadelphia, where he helped to found the
Republican party, f

The Rev. Mason L. Weems was the rector of Pohick
Church and General Washington was of the congrega-
tion. "Parson Weems'' in his itineracy could fiddle, for
a crowd, relate amusing anecdotes and then sell his wares
— his books. He could in the drink emporiums mimic the
over-drinkers and then offer his treatises on intemper-
ance. All these things give him fame; a fame which
might fade with the flight of time. But what will not
fade or rather what cannot be pulled down by those ruth-
less people who have a cruel gratification in destroying
the cherished beliefs is a more substantial support for
his fame; and his fame will last undimmed as that of the
illustrious Washington. That incident in the boyhood of
Washington which the Parson only knew and only saved

* Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
^Social Life in the Early Republic.

154

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

which proves the reward of truth that withstands the
temptation to turn from it. The iconoclasts may rage
yet their rage will avail naught for no one will visit the
sacred scenes of the boyhood days without openly or
furtively looking for the roots of a cherry tree and for
the axe that laid upon them.

But could not the Parson make a flourish of flattery!

I beg leave, in this way, to inform Mrs Madison that
I have it very much at heart to reprint a book which I
firmly believe will do great Good. As I know of no Lady
who has so large an interest at stake in this Country as
Mrs. Madison has, nor any who holds so distinguished a
place in it, I dont know to whom, in equity, I ought so
properly to look for patronage to my book as to herself.
It is certainly no adulation, Honor'd Madame to say that
you are one of the "Favord Few" who to do good need
but to will it. The elevation of your Rank, together with
the charm of your benevolent spirit & polish'd manners
differsd so widely as they are by the Members of the
National Legislature & the brilliant crowds that attend
your Levees give you an Influence which no other Lady
can pretend to especially among the Fair Sex of our
Country. And this forms another reason why I solicit
your patronage to this Book; tis a book peculiarly apt to
please & profit the Ladies. Many of the finest deline-
ations, of character in it are taken from persons of their
Sex, the Graces which render them so singularly amiable
& beneficent are painted in colours uncommonly correct
& captivating; and to crown all, the style is admirably
suited to the Sentiments & subjects — at once elegantly
rounded & musically sweet.

The book I allude to is "Hunter's Sacred Biography'
or a delineation of sundry of the most distinguished
Characters recorded in the Holy Scriptures. Tho' an
European work it has gone thro' several editions in
America ; and is spoken of in terms little short of rapture,
by all who read it. The patronage of this excellent book
which I solicit of Mrs Madison, is a recommendation of
it. A recommendation of it, Honord Madam from your

155

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

pen wd insure it a wide Circulation among your Fair
Country women; and mingled as it wd be by maternal
Love, with the milk of a thousand nurseries it wou'd con-
tribute to raise up myriads of Angelic Characters to adorn
& blefs the rising Generation.

Knowing how very dear such a result, wd be to you —
to you Honord Madam who have been nurtured in the
bosom of Society remarkable for their Christian Philan-
thropy, I can not but afsure myself that you will with
pleasure give me the powerful aid of your Recommenda-
tion to this highly moralizing work. Hundreds of the
Clergy are ready to give me their recommendations, but
as it is' chiefly on the Ladies that I count for the Circu-
lation of it, I had rather have a few lines from Mrs Madi-
son than from a whole Bench of Bishops. You will
please observe that Doctor Blair was much indebted for
the wide circulation of his Sermons, to Queen Charlotte.
As you may not have seen
this Book, I send you a borrowd
Volume; at the 68th page of which,
part the 2d, you will find the commencement of the Biog-
raphy of Ruth from which I flatter myself you will find
sufficient matter to elicit the Approbation I request, and
which I believe all important to its wide Succefs.

I pray you accept my heartiest Congratulations for
the returning Health of His Excellency — to whom I here-
with send a Vol of "Doctr Hunter." If in the lucid inter-
vals of Public Care, his Excellency shou'd honor this
Vol. with a coup d'oeil, he will perhaps discover in it
the marks of a Genius & Spirit which I think will please
him. With sentiments of the highest Respect, I remain,
Honord Madam,

Your very humb. Servt

M. L. Weems.
Dumfries, July 22, 1813

156

CHAPTER IV
1814-1816

N HER life's story, Mrs. Seaton gives this day's part

January 2, 1814.

* * * Yesterday being New Year's day, everybody,
affected or disaffected towards the government, attended
to pay Mrs. Madison the compliments of the season. Be-
tween one and two o'clock we drove to the President's,
where it was with much difficulty we made good our en-
trance, though all of our acquaintances endeavored with
the utmost civility to compress themselves as small as
they could for our accommodation. The marine band,
stationed in the ante-room, continued playing in spite of
the crowds pressing on their very heads. But if our pity
was excited for these hapless musicians, what must we
not have experienced for some members of our own sex;
who, not foreseeing the excessive heat of the apartments,
had more reason to apprehend the efforts of nature to
relieve herself from the effects of the confined at-
mosphere. You perhaps will not understand that I al-
lude to the rouge which some of our fashionables had
unfortunately laid on with an unsparing hand, and which
assimilating with the pearl-powder, dust and perspiration,
made them altogether unlovely to soul and to eye.

Her majesty's appearance was truly regal, — dressed in
a robe of pink satin, trimmed elaborately with ermine, a
white velvet and satin turban, with nodding ostrich
plumes and a crescent in front, gold chain and clasps
around the waist and wrists. 'Tis here the woman who
adorns the dress, and not the dress that beautifies the
woman. I cannot conceive a female better calculated to
dignify the station which she occupies in society than
Mrs. Madison, — amiable in private life and affable in

157

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

public, she is admired and esteemed by the rich and be-
loved by the poor. You are aware that she snuffs; but
in her hands the snuff-box seems only a gracious imple-
ment with which to charm. Her frank cordiality to all
guests is in contrast to the manner of the President, who
is very formal, reserved and precise, yet not wanting in
a certain dignity. Being so low of stature, he was in
imminent danger of being confounded with the plebeian
crowd; and was pushed and jostled about like a common
citizen, — but not so with her ladyship ! The towering
feathers and excessive throng distinctly pointed her sta-
tion wherever she moved.

After partaking of some ice-creams and a glass of Ma-
deira, shaking hands with the President and tendering
our good wishes, we were preparing to leave the rooms,
when our attention was attracted through the window
towards what we conceived to be a rolling ball of bur-
nished gold, carried with swiftness through the air by two
gilt wings. Our anxiety increased the nearer it ap-
proached, until it actually stopped before the door; and
from it alighted, weighted with gold lace, the French
Minister and suite. We now also perceived that what
we had supposed to be wings, were nothing more than
gorgeous footmen with chapeaux bras, gilt braided skirts
and splendid swords. Nothing ever was witnessed in
Washington so brilliant and dazzling, — a meridian sun
blazing full on this carriage filled with diamonds and
glittering orders, and gilt to the edge of the wheels, —
you may well imagine how the natives stared and rubbed
their eyes to be convinced 't was no fairy dream.

A social custom that prevailed in Mrs. Madison's
regime, likewise an example of vanity, appears in Mrs.
Smith's letter of March 14, 1814:*

The debates in congress have this winter been very
attractive to the ladies. Mr. Ingersol is among the num-
ber of orators most admired. But Mr. Pincknevt carries

*Forty Years of Washington Society.
fWilliam Pinkney of Maryland.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the palm from all the congressional orators, Forsythe ex-
cepted. His resignation of his office seems to have added
to his popularity, and animated him in his professional
pursuits. Never have his talents been displayed with
such power and brilliancy. Curiosity led me against my
judgment, to join the female crowd who throng the court
rooms.* A place in which I think women have no busi-
ness. The effect of female admiration and attention has
been very obvious, but it is a doubt to me whether it has
been beneficial, indeed I believe otherwise. A member
told me he doubted not there had been much more speak-
ing on this account, and another gentleman told me, that
one day Mr. Pinckney had finished his argument and
was just about seating himself when Mrs. Madison and a
train of ladies enter'd, — he recommenced, went over the
same ground, using fewer arguments, but scattering more
flowers.

Payne Todd accompanied the Peace Commission. It
consisted of John Quincy Adams, James A. Bayard,
Henry Clay, Jonathan Russell and Albert Gallatin.

From Mrs. Gallatin to Mrs. Madison:

New York, July 2, 1814.

I understand, my dear friend, that you did not receive
any letter from Payne by the last arrivals. I will com-
municate to you with pleasure what Mr. Gallatin says
of him. He says Todd and Millegan left St. Petersburg
before them, and took the Sweden route ; found the coast
frozen, and after a long detention came by way of Copen-
hagen, and joined them at Amsterdam the day before
they left it ; that Payne had gone on a visit to Paris, and
was to return to Mr. Gallatin in three weeks; he set off
the 7th of May from London. He will have a very pleas-
ant jaunt no doubt, and Dallas expected to follow him.
Millegan was gone on a message to Gottenburgh. I dare
not write you a long letter for fear of being too late for

*United States Supreme Court.

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the mail, and I wish you to get the information as soon
as possible, for I know you must be anxious. Remember
me to your sister and believe me your very sincere friend.

W. Gallatin.*

Miss Brown, a guest of Benjamin Homans, Chief
Clerk in the Department of State, tells of a reception at
the President's, July 4, 1814:

I see her now, as we entered she was crossing the
crowded vestibule, conducted by two fair girls, one on
each side. Where they were conducting her I do not
know, but she had evidently surrendered herself to their
sprightly guidance with her usual benignant sweetness.
She stopped to receive our greetings, and that gave me
time to admire the tasteful simplicity of her dress. White
— but of what material I forget. Her hair hung in ring-
lets on each side of her face, surrounded by the snowy
folds of her unvarying turban, ornamented on one side
by a few heads of green wheat. She may have worn
jewels, but if she did they were so eclipsed by her inher-
ent charms as to be unnoticed. f

Lucia Beverly Cutts, quotes Mrs. Madison, "I would
rather fight with my hands than my tongue"; and says
that when word wars were waged, Mrs. Madison with-
drew and returned when the hint had restored peace.
She, of herself, says, May 12, 1813, to a relative, Mr.
Coles, and suggestive of latter day slang:

The twenty tents already look well in my eyes, who
have always been an advocate for fighting when assailed,
though a Quaker. I therefore keep the old Tunisian
sabre within reach.

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

^Social Life in the Early Republic. Anne Hollingsworth
Wharton.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Very likely when she read the scaring headlines of
British attack her eye wandered to the blade hung upon
the wall. Queen Dolly with her headpiece — turban and
crescent — and the sabre held before her no doubt would
have looked formidable — but it is another's sentiment :

There are persons whose loveliness is more formidable
than a whole regiment of sabred hussars with their fierce-
looking moustaches.

The people were in apprehension. Mrs. Seaton, March
1813, enters:

You will see by the Federal Republican, that the plan
might be carried into execution without a miracle, of
seizing the President and Secretaries with fifty or a hun-
dred men; rendering this nation a laughing-stock to
every other in the world.

The militia musters and manoeuvres were in Lafayette
Square, then called the President's Square, opposite the
Executive Mansion. At the period of the Second War,
Pennsylvania avenue from Fifteenth to Seventeenth
streets ran along a common with no stately elms or other
trees ; and along the avenue westward was only one house,
that a small frame, till was reached the Seven Buildings.
The grounds of the Executive Mansion on that avenue
front had slight natural shade and were inexpensively
enclosed. The view from the Mansion was little broken
by the habitations and Mrs. Madison for the field glass
had in every direction a distant horizon.*

Came to visit Mrs. Madison, did two Quaker ladies,
Rebekah Hubbs and Sarah Scull. Rebecca and Sarah
were with Dolly of the Friends' Society in Philadelphia in

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

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the early days. Rebekah for herself and for Sarah

writes :

Seventh Month, 13, 1814.

* * * And now, my dear friend, having visited thy
dwelling much bowed down in mind under a sense of my
weakness, having none but the Lord to appeal to, to
justify me in my visit, to relieve my mind of much that
was on it. * * * Assuredly, dear Dorothy, I think
I shall ever remember thee with gratitude of heart, thee
and thy beloved companion, your kind and Christian
entertainment of us; God will not be wanting to reward
your love.

Rebekah adds the postscript:

My love to thy dear, ancient mother-in-law, who I be-
lieve is not far from the kingdom of Heaven.

Mr. Madison was absent from home; he, the Com-
mander-in-Chief, was at the camp and from "Mr Wil-
liams about 6 or 7 miles from Washington Tuesday Aug
13," he told of the high spirits of the troops and gave
the varied reports of the enemy to "My Dearest."*

Washington, August 23, 1814.

My Dear Madam, — In the present state of alarm and
bustle of preparation for the worst that may happen, I
imagine it will be more convenient to dispense with the
enjoyment of your hospitality to-day, and, therefore,
pray you to admit this as an excuse for Mr. Jones, Lucy,
and myself. Mr. Jones is deeply engaged in dispatching
marines and attending to other public duties. Lucy and
I are packing, with the possibility of having to leave;
but in the event of necessity we know not where to go,
nor have we any means yet prepared for the conveyance
of our effects. I sincerely hope and trust the necessity
may be avoided, but there appears rather serious cause

*lVritings of James Madison. Gaillard Hunt.
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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of apprehension. Our carriage horse is sick, and our
coachman absent, or I should have called last evening to
see your sister. I feel great solicitude on her account.
Yours very truly and affectionately.

E. Jones.*

August 24, 1814. Washington was a manless city.
The men were running with the army — running hard,
except those in the neighboring woods where they were
that they might not see the British such was their con-
tempt for them.

The President was on the scene of battle or near it.
He was busy, busy writing notes to his wife with a pen-
cil. He was Commander-in-Chief, he issued an order,
of course, it had to be obeyed. It was

Come, Armstrong; come, Monroe; let us go; and
leave it to the commanding general.

And a poet has slapped the order into rhyme :

Fly, Monroe, fly. Run, Armstrong, run.
Were the last words of Madison.

The Battle of Bladensburg was fought. The Ameri-
cans ran from the British who were too wearied to stand ;
and in turn the British fled with fear from an American
thunder storm.*

It surprised almost a criticism from Mrs. Madison :

I can descry only groups of military wandering in
all directions, as if there was a lack of arms or spirit to
fight for their own firesides.

Had she not been influenced by Madison's fear — and
remained — the house would have been exempt. Said
General Ross:

* Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

I have heard so much of praise of Mrs. Madison,
that I would rather protect than burn a house which shel-
tered so excellent a lady.

Mrs. Madison to her sister, Mrs. Todd, reported the
experiences at the President's House, as a stenographer
takes a speech. It gives the thrill of reality. And she to
Mrs. Latrobe gave a graphic account.

Extract from a letter to my sister published in the
sketch of my life written for the National Portrait
Gallery.

Tuesday Augt 23d 1814.

Dear Sister, — My husband left me yesterday morns
to join Gen. Winder. He enquired anxiously whether
I had courage, or firmnefs to remain in the President's
house until his return, on the morrow, or succeeding day
and on my afsurance that I had no fear but for him and
the success of our army, he left me, beseeching me to take
care of myself, and of the cabinet papers, public and
private. I have since recd two despatches from him writ-
ten with a pencil ;* the last is alarming, because he desires
I should be ready at a moment's warning to enter my
carriage and leave the city; that the enemy seemed
stronger than had been reported, and that it might hap-
pen they would reach the city, with intention to destroy
it. * * * I am accordingly ready ; I have pref sed as
many cabinet papers into trunks as to fill one carriage;
our private property must be sacrified, as it is impossible
to procure wagons for its transportation. I am deter-
mined not to go myself until I see Mr. Madison safe, and
he can accompany me, — as I hear of much hostility

*Mr. Chester Bailey, in Poulson's Advertiser, Philadelphia, says:
The Treasury Office was also soon on fire; the President's house
being first despoiled of a few objects of curiosity— some pictures and
books from Mr. Madison's library, and a parcel of the pencil notes
received by Mrs. Madison from her husband while he was with
the troops.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

towards him. * * * disaffection stalks around us.

* * * My friends and acquaintances are all gone;
even Col. C , with his hundred men, who were sta-
tioned as a guard to the enclosure. * * * French
John (a faithful domestic,) with his usual activity and
resolution, offers to spike the cannon at the gate, and
to lay a train of powder which would blow up the British
should they enter the house. To the last proposition I
positively object, without being able, however, to make
him understand why all advantages in war may not be
taken.

Wednesday morns twelve o'clock. — Since sunrise I
have been turning my spy glafs in every direction and
watching with unwearied anxiety, hoping to discover the
approach of my dear husband and his friends; but, alas,
I can descry only groups of military wandering in all
directions, as if there was a lack of arms, or of spirit to
fight for their own firesides.*

Three o'clock. — Will you believe it, my sister? We
have had a battle, or skirmish near Bladensburg, and I
am still here within sound of the cannon ! Mr Madison
comes'not; may God protect him ! Two messengers, cov-
ered with dust, come to bid me fly; but I wait for him.

* * * At this late hour, a wagon has been procured;
I have had it filled with the plate and most valuable port-
able articles belonging to the house ; whether it will reach
its destination, the Bank of Maryland, or fall into the
hands of British soldiery, events must determine.

Our kind friend, Mr Carroll, has come to hasten my
departure, and is in a very bad humor with me because
I insist on waiting until the large picture of Gen. Wash-
ington is secured, and it requires to be unscrewed from

*A sparsely built section. See In Memoriam: Benjamin Ogle
Tayloe. "What in the early part of the last century was known as
the President's Square, was then, and for many years afterward, a
common, with a graveyard on a small portion, which during the
thirties, after the visit of Lafayette, became known and recognized
by his name." — James Croggon, The Evening Star, June 17, 1906,
and April 19, 1913.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the wall.* This procefs was found too tedious for these
perilous moments ; I have ordered the frame to be broken,
and the canvafs taken out; it is done, — and the precious
portrait placed in the hands of two gentlemen of New
York, for safe keeping, f And now, dear sister, I must
leave this house, or the retreating army will make me a
prisoner in it, by filling up the road I am directed to take.
When I shall again write to you, or where I shall be to-
morrow, I cannot tell ! !

Dolly.

To Mrs- Latrobe :

December 3, 1814.
* * *

Two hours before the enemy entered the city, I left
the house where Mr. Latrobe's elegant taste had been so
justly admired, and where you and I had so often wan-
dered together, and on that very day I sent out the silver
(nearly all) — the velvet curtains and Gen. Washington's
picture, the cabinet papers, a few books, and the small
clock — left everything else belonging to the publick, our
own valuable stores of every description, a part of my
clothes, and all my servants' clothes, &c, &c, in short,
it would fatigue you to read the list of my losses, or an
account of the general dismay, or particular distresses of
your acquaintance. Mrs. Hunter and Mrs. Thompson
were the only ladies who stood their ground. I confess
that I was so unfeminine as to be free from fear, and
willing to remain in the Castle. If I could have had a
cannon through every window, but alas! those who
should have placed them there, fled before me, and my
whole heart mourned for my country ! I remained nearly

*On the removal of the seat of government to Washington, in
1800, a magnificent portrait of General Washington, painted by-
Stuart partly, and completed by Winstanley, to whom President
John Adams' son-in-law, Colonel Smith, stood for the unfinished
limbs and body, hung in the state dining-room." — The Ladies of
the White House. Laura Carter Holloway.

fjacob Barker and Robert G. L. DePeyster.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

three days out of town, but I cannot tell you what I felt
on re-entering it — such destruction — such confusion !
The fleet full in view and in the act of robbing Alex-
andria! The citizens expecting another visit — and at
night the rockets were seen flying near us!

Paul Jennings, valet to Mr. Madison, relates the
stirring scene, with slight variance, due to the excite-
ment at the enactment and the shading of memory, for
he relates it forty-nine years after:

While waiting, at just about 3, as Sukey, the house-
servant, was lolling out of a chamber window, James
Smith, a free colored man who had accompanied Mr.
Madison to Bladensburg, galloped up to the house, wav-
ing his hat, and cried out: "Clear out, clear out! Gen.
Armstrong has ordered a retreat!" All then was con-
fusion. Mrs. Madison ordered her carriage, and pass-
ing through the dining-room, caught up what silver she
could crowd into her old-fashioned reticule, and then
jumped into the chariot with her servant-girl Sukey, and
Daniel Carroll who took charge of them ; Jo. Bohn drove
them over to Georgetown Heights; the British were ex-
pected in a few minutes.

Miss Brown wrote that her mother and sister saw
"Mrs. Madison in her carriage flying full speed through
Georgetown, accompanied by an officer carrying a drawn
sword. Where the poor fugitive found a refuge I did
not learn.*

At Georgetown, the President met his lady, she hav-
ing left the city only half an hour before, having re-
mained with great composure at the President's house
until a message brought her the tidings that the British
were within a few miles of the city, and that our army
were retreating without any chance of being rallied so as
to check their march. f

*Social Life in the Early Republic. Anne Hollingsworth
Wharton.

^Baltimore Patriot, August 26, 1814.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

At the meeting Mr. and Mrs. Madison agreed on the
routes and rendezvous of retreat.

The refuge may have been the place of Walter S.
Chandler, afterwards owned by Colonel Thomas L.
McKenney and named by him Weston. He wrote he
was fervently thankful "that Dolly Madison could
have found such hospitable refuge at Weston."

Authentic accounts in detail of the flights of Mr. and
Mrs. Madison cannot be given with assurance. That
night (Wednesday) under guard she slept in a tent in the
encampment* and the next day (Thursday), crossed into

Virginia.!

It is repeatedly stated that on the Virginia side of
the Potomac she arrived at the place of Mr. Love;
that he was with the troops, and in his absence Mrs.
Love made a hospitable hostess; that she pushed on
to a tavern; that the tavern mistress, for fancied griev-
ances, reviled her; and that from the tavern she moved
further on to Mrs. Minor's.

On Saturday, the 27th, she received a note from
Mr. Madison advising her to return ; on Sunday she
did.

The valet's (Paul Jennings) account is essentially
similar:

Mrs. Madison slept that night at Mr. Love's, two or
three miles over the river. After leaving that place she
called in at a house and went up stairs. The lady of the
house learning who she was became furious, and went to
the stairs and screamed out, "Miss Madison! you come
down and go out ! Your husband has got mine out fight-

*At Tennallytown, two miles north of the heights of George-
town, D. C.

t Forty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

168

MRS. WILLIAM THORNTON
By Gilbert Stuart

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ing, and d you, you shan't stay in my house; so get

out!" Mrs. Madison complied, and went to Mrs. Minor's,
a few miles further, where she stayed a day or two, and
then returned to Washington, where she found Mr. Madi-
son at her brother-in-law's, Richard Cutts, on F Street.
All the facts about Mrs. M. I learned from her servant,
Sukey.

Anne Hollingsworth Wharton has identified Mrs.
Madison's first (Virginia) refuge in the flight. It is
Rokeby, beyond Chain Bridge. It was the country
seat of Richard H. Love, whose wife was Elizabeth
Matilda Lee. From Sir Walter Scott's Rokeby, which
a little time before appeared, he named it. Scott's
heroine is Matilda, as was his.

The movements of Mr. Madison on these eventful
days have more definite detail. Extract from his

Memorandum, Aug. 24, 1914.

When the battle had decidedly commenced, I ob-
served to the Secretary of War and Secy of State that
it would be proper to withdraw to a position in the rear,
where we could act according to circumstances; leaving
military movements now to the military functionaries
who were responsible for them. This we did, Mr. Rush
soon joining us. When it became manifest that the battle
was lost, Mr. Rush accompanying me, I fell down into
the road leading to the City and returned to it.

It had been previously settled that in the event of
the enemy's taking possession of the city and the ne-
cessity of Executive consultation elsewhere, Frederick

The lady of a house where the British officers supped on the
evening they entered the city, recognized among them a person who
had been at her house, and even called on Airs. Madison in the
President's house (as the person declared) in the disguise of a dis-
tressed woman, on the Saturday preceding the capture! This is a
fact which may be relied on. — National Intelligencer.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Town would be the proper place for the assembling
of the Cabinet.

Mr. Madison dined at Mr. Cutts', on Fourteenth
Street, between four and five o'clock; and arose before
the cloth was removed upon hearing of the arrival of
the Secretary of War. This interview, as related by
Mr. Barker, with that Secretary was at Mr. Mon-
roe's* near O'Neal's, and lasted until seven o'clock.
They separated to meet for a final interview at eight
o'clock.f The interview, as related by Mr. Carroll,
was on Windmill or Camp Hill.

A spectator, in the Baltimore Patriot, August 26 :

The President, who had been on horseback with the
army the whole day, retired from the mortifying scene
and left the city on horseback, accompanied by General
Mason and Mr. Carroll. t

From a lengthy letter of recollection :

Sydenham, near Philadelphia, 10th July, 1855.
My Dear Sir,

3|C 3fC ^

* * * I have, indeed, to this hour, the vivid im-
pression upon my eye of columns of flame and smoke
ascending throughout the night of the 24th of August
from the Capitol, President's house, and other public
edifices, as the whole were on fire, some burning slowly,
others with bursts of flame and sparks mounting high
up in the dark horizon. This never can be forgotten by

*Mr. Monroe, Secretary of State, 2017 I Street. John Arm-
strong, Secretary of War, and George W. Campbell, Secretary of
Treasury, lived in the same house in the Seven Buildings.

fRelated by Jacob Barker in a public letter to James Gordon
Bennett, May 5, 1848. Mr. Barker dined that day at Mr. Cutts' with
Mr. Madison and in the evening with Mr. Armstrong at O'Neal's.

tCharles J. Carroll in The Hew York Herald, January 31, 1848.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

me, as I accompanied out of the city on that memorable
night in 1814, President Madison, Mr. Jones, then Sec-
retary of the Navy, General Mason, of Annalostan Island,
Mr. Charles Carroll, of Bellevne, and Mr. Tench Ring-
gold. There were no others of our group that I re-
member.

If at intervals the dismal sight was lost to our view,
we got it again from some hill-top or eminence where
we paused to look at it. We were on horseback, attended
by servants, proceeding on the Virginia side of the Po-
tomac, which we crossed at the Little Falls, intending to
recross at the Great Falls that night or the next morning,
so as to be again on the Maryland side, and return to
Washington as the movements of the enemy and our own
strength might prompt.

* * *

Richard Rush.

Colonel J. S. Williams, Washington.*

Brookvillef Aug. 27 10 oC
My dearest

Finding that our army had left Montgomery Court
House, we pushed on to this place, with a view to join it,
or proceed to the City, as further information might
prescribe. I have just recd a line from Col. Monroe,
saying that the Enemy were out of Washington, & on
the retreat to their Ships & advising our immediate re-
turn to Washington. We shall accordingly set out thither
immediately. You will all of course take the same reso-
lution. I know not where we are in the first instance to
hide our heads ; but shall look for a place on my arrival.
Mr. Rush offers his house in the six buildings, and the
offer claims attention. Perhaps I may fall in with Mr.
Cutts, and have the aid of his advice. I saw Mr. Bradley

^History of the Invasion and Capture of Washington. — John S.
Williams.

fThen as now a small Quaker settlement ; it is nineteen miles
north of the Capitol.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

at Montgomery D H. who told me that Mrs Cutts was
well, & Jamey will give up some particulars wch I have
not time to write.

Truly yours

J. Madison
Since the above it is
found necessary to
detain Jamey, & I
sent a Trooper

Mr. Madison to Mrs. Madison :

I cannot yet learn what has been the result. Should
the port have been taken, the British ships with their
barges will be able to throw the city again into alarm,
and you may be again compelled to retire from it, which
I find would have a disagreeable effect. Should the
Ships have failed in their attack, you can not return too
soon. * * * keep Freeman till the question is de-
cided, and then lose no time in sending him to You. In
the mean time it will be best for you to remain in your
present quarters. I wrote you yesterday morning by ex-
press, from Brookeville, and at the same time to the Secy
of the Navy, supposing you all to be together. It is
possible the separation may have prevented your receiv-
ing the letter. I returned to the city yesterday, in com-
pany with Mr. Monroe, Mr. Rush, &c, and have sum-
moned the Heads of Dept. to meet here without delay.
Inclosed is a letter from Mr. Cutts. My next will be by
Freeman, & as soon as I can decide the points of your
coming on.

Ever & most affy. yours,

J. M.

Upon her return Mrs. Madison found both ends of
Long Bridge were burnt. Colonel Fenwick "busy in
transporting munitions of war over the Potomac in the
only boat left at his disposal, peremptorily refused to let
any unknown woman cross in the boat with her carriage."

172

MARC1A BURNES

By James Peale

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

She disclosed herself confidentially, and she "was driven
in her carriage into the frail boat, which bore her home-
wards."

The tornado that burst upon the British to scare them
away and was to the Americans better than a fort is re-
produced in varied lights of lurid rhetoric.

The British correspondent tells of the tornado thus :

Our column was completely dispersed, as if it had
received a total defeat; some of the men flying for shelter
behind walls and buildings, and others falling flat upon
the ground to prevent themselves from being carried
away by the tempest; nay. such was the violence of the
wind, that two pieces of cannon which stood upon the
eminence were fairly lifted from the ground and borne
several yards to the rear.*

George Gleig, subsequently Chaplain General of the
British Army writes to Horatio King :

On the 25th a hurricane fell on the city, which un-
roofed houses and upset our three-pounder guns. It
upset me also. It fairly lifted me out of the saddle, and
the horse which I had been riding I never saw again, t

Miss Brown, who was of the Homans party, in her
recollections, has this of the storm :

The government papers and other valuables were
covered with tarpaulins, Into the corners under these we
crept, but failed to find entire protection from the deluges
of rain. The boats were lashed together and to the trees
on shore, which we were afterwards told bent over like
hoops, while the clouds seemed to pause over our devoted
heads and pour down one continuous stream of elec-

*History of the late War. — Charles J. Ingersoll.
fThe Battle of Bladensburg. — Horatio King.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

tricity. How long this lasted I know not, I only have
an abiding sense of my forlorn condition, wet and com-
fortless without a change of clothing. When the storm
abated we were again put to sea, in no condition to pass
the night. As we were being pushed up stream, anx-
iously scanning the shore for some house where we might
find shelter, we were happy as to descry a log cabin
known to the boatmen as the Hominy House.*

Mrs. Smith's report of Mrs. Madison's flight :f

August 30.

* * * After this melancholy survey, Mr. Smith went
to see the President, who was at Mr. Cutts' (his brother
in law) where we found Mrs. Madison and her sister
Mrs. Cutts. Mrs. M. seem'd much depress'd, she could
scarcely speak without tears. She told me she had re-
mained in the city till a few hours before the English
enter'd. She was so confident of Victory that she was
calmly listening to the roar of cannon, and watching the
rockets in the air, when she perceived our troops rushing
into the city, with the haste and dismay of a routed force.
The friends with her then hurried her away, (her car-
riage being previously ready) and she with many other
families, among whom was Mrs. Thornton and Mrs.
Cutting with her, retreated with the flying army. In
George town they perceived some men before them
carrying off the picture of Genl. Washington (the large
one by Stewart) which with the plate, was all that was
saved out of the President's house. Mrs. M. lost all her
own property. * * * Mrs. M. slept that night in
the encampment, a guard being placed around her tent,
the next day she cross'd into Virginia, where she re-
mained until Sunday, when she return'd to meet her
husband.

*Social Life in the Early Republic. Anne Hollingsworth

Wharton. Harmony House was near Cabin John.

"fForty Years of Washington Society.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Thornton's vivid recitals in the diary are like
unto histrionic scenes of the historic events that were
attended with much excitement and confusion.

1814. August. Monday 22. Mrs. Cutts & Forrest
went away. The president went to the camp this even-
ing with Mr Armstrong &c.

Tuesday 23. Dr T. went today with Mr Cutts & Mr
Rd Forrest intending to go to the Camp near the Wood
Yard but met the president & suite and Dr T & Mr C
went with them near Bladensburg. Dr T. rode, recon-
noitering with Col. Monroe Mr Chas Carroll Rush &
Ringgold & returned at midnight. * * * Had the
horses harnessed ready to go off as we had several accts
that the enemy were near Bladensburg. — Our troops
came over the bridge again

Wednesday 24th No accounts at ten this morning of
the course of the enemy. Almost all our acquaintance
gone out of town nearly all the movable property taken
away — offices shut up & all businefs at a stand.

We heard rumours that the armies had engaged. &
expected to hear the cannon &c but heard nothing — at
last saw a man riding as hard as pofsible towards the
president's house — we sent up soon after & found that
Mrs M — was gone — We set down to dinner but I cou'd
eat nothing & we dilly dally'd till we saw our retreating
army come up the avenue — we then hastened away, and
were escorted out of town by our defeated troops, Genl
Washington's picture & a cart load of goods from the
president's House in Company — (it was supposed that
Mr Custis got some of the soldiers' to take out this pic-
ture.) When we got to the upper part of George Tn —
we met Mr Richards who advised us not to proceed up
the road, as it was crowded with troops &c & that there
was a rumour that the British were to head them that
way & give them Battle. * * *

Thursday 25th Dr T went to the City & by his ex-
ertions, saved the patent office from destruction — They

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

were on the point of setting it on fire, & he represented
to the officer (Col Jones) that it was the museum of the
arts & that it wou'd be a lofs to all the world — The war
office was not burnt till after breakfast today — The rope
walks were burnt. — We had a dreadful storm & gust but
fortunately unaccompanied with rain — The weather dur-
ing all the fires fortunately was very calm, but it appears
almost miraculous that the whole place was not con-
sumed.— But great pains was taken by the English not
to injure private property. It is feared that very little
property had been saved out of the president's House —
Dr T — ■ returned to dinner & we set out at V2 after 4 for
our farm. —

Friday 26. Dr T. went to town — we went over to Mr
Bradley's* to see Mr Cutts * * *

Saturday 27 Rain. It cleared up about noon & we
prepared to come to town, as Dr T said he must be in
town every day — we came in & brought dinner with us
— Mr Cutts & family came in & many other persons

* * * The President is at Mr. Rush's.—* * *

Sunday 28th * * * The president Monroe &
Rush stopped at Mr Cutts' door— I lent Mr M— a spy
glafs. — The people are violently irritated at the thought
of our attempting to make any more futile resistance.

* * > Dr T — followed the president & party to tell
them what the people said — They did not appear pleased
at it said they wou'd hear of no deputation & that the
people must all arm — Dr T. came home & distrefsed us
more than ever by taking his sword & going out to call
the people & to join them— * * * Mrs M came to
Mrs Cutts' in Parrotts carriage — Mr Madison Monroe
&z dined there. — * * * Mrs Smith & family came
in & staid to tea we stepped in to see Mrs Madison, she
was very violent against the English — & wished we had
10000 such men as were pafsing (a few troopers) to sink

*The present Chevy Chase Club building. The Bradley Family
and The Times in Which They Lived. Charles S. Bradley.

176

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

oar enemy to the bottomlefs pit. She had better attri-
bute the lofs of her palace to the right cause viz want of
proper defence in time.

Monday 29th * * * The president & Lady being
next door we were guarded at night. * * *

September, Wednesday 7th Dr T published in the
Natl Intelligencer a statement of his conduct while the
enemy were in the city. * * *

Thursday 8th * * * I had a long conversation
with Mrs Cutts & Madison today They have listened
to many misrepresentations & falsehoods concerning Dr
T — & of course are not pleased with him

The enemy surely beyond the suburbs and the tempo-
rary-away again at home, engaged, each for himself, a
war in the newspaper. Dr. Thornton struck the first
blow and quickly in the battle of ink came James H.
Blake, the Mayor, Com. Tingey, Dr. James Ewell, Com.
Rodgers, Gen. Winder, Mr. Monroe, the President, and
others. Such defiance, boldness, bravery, courage, in-
trepidity and spirit of "Don't give up the ship," and
"Strike — for your altars and your fires !" and all that
make a thrilling story of war as was never equalled —
such valor was not even exhibited on the fields of Blad-
ensburg. So relentless was the strife that Dr. Blake at-
tacked Dr. Thornton's reputation as a poet; and Dr.
Thornton charged Dr. Blake with cowardice because it
happened he had affairs out of the city when the ma-
rauders came to the city.

An unknown poet has embalmed

The
Bladensburg Races.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Probably it is not generally known that the Flight of
Mahomet, the Flight of John Gilpin, and the Flight of
Bladensburg, all occurred on the 24th of August.

James Madison a soldier was,

Of courage and renown,
And Generalissimo was he

Of famous Washington.

Quoth Madison unto his spouse,

"Though frighted we have been
These two last tedious weeks, yet we

No enemy have seen.

"To-morrow is the twenty- fourth,

And much indeed I fear
That then, or on the following day,

That Cockburn will be here."

"To-morrow, then," quoth she, "we'll fly.

As fast as we can pour
Northward, unto Montgomery,

All in our coach and four.

"My sister Cutts, and Cutts, and I,

And Cutts' s children three,
Will fill the coach ; — so you must ride

On horseback after we."

He soon replied, "I do admire

Of human kind but one,
And you are she, my Dolly dear ;
Therefore it shall be done."

The morning came — the coach was brought,

But yet was not allow'd
To drive up to the door, for fear

"he Mob should grumble loud.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

At Brother Cutts' the coach was staid,

Where they might all get in —
Six precious souls, and all agog

To dash through thick and thin.

Smack went the whip ; round went the wheels ;

Were never folks so glad :
The dust did rise beneath the coach,

As though the dust were mad.

The General, at his horse's side,

Seized fast the flowing mane,
And up he got in haste to start,

But soon stopt short again.

For saddle-tree scarce reach'd was he,

And seated to his mind,
When, turning round his face, he saw

His Cabinet behind.

Monroe was there, and Armstrong bold,

No bolder man mote be,
And Rush, the Attorney-Gen-e-ral,

All on their horses three.

* * *

The Cabinet on horseback sat,
And there they reason'd high,

If for the camp they should set out,
Or northward straight should fly.

Not long before the gallant Four

Had plann'd it to their mind ;
When Citffee scream'd, "De Shappo-hat

And Sword be leave behind !"

"Good lack !" quoth he, "then bring 'em me,

My leathern belt likewise,
In which I bear my trusty Sword,

When I do exercise."

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Now Mistress Dolly (careful soul!)

Two wrapper-bags had found,
To hold the sword and chapeau-bras,

And keep them safe and Sound.

Up Cuffce starts — and brings the bags,

And lays them open wide;
Then puts the chapeau on his head,

The sword upon his side.

* * *

Now see him starting once again,

Upon his nimble steed,
Full slowly pacing through the street,

With caution and good heed.

But gaining soon the country road

Beneath his well-shod feet,
The snorting beast began to trot,

Which gall'd him in his seat.

As luck would have it, all at once,

At distance in the rear,
Six gallant troopers, mounted well,

Approaching did appear. .

And one, upon his bugle horn,

So loud a blast did blow,
Our Hero wish'd him ten miles off —

He scar'd the Griffin so.

So "Fair and softly!" James did cry;

But James he cried in vain :
The Griffin gallop'd off outright,

In spite of curb or rein.

So, stooping down, (as he needs must,

Who cannot sit upright,)
He grasp'd the mane with both his hands,

And eke with all his might.

180

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fit

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The wind did blow; the cloak did fly,

Like streamer long and blue ;
Till, loop and button failing both,

At last — away it flew.

Then, might all people well discern

The gallant Little Man;
His sword did thump behind his back,

So merrily he ran.

Rush follow'd on, and Armstrong scream'd;

The troopers one and all ;
And eke Monroe cried out, I guess,

As loud as he could bawl.

Stop there ! your Excellency ! stop !

The northern road you'll pass —
We'll get into a pretty scrape,

If further on we chase.

And still, as fast as he rode on,
'Twas marvellous to view

How he outrode the Cabinet,
And eke the troopers too.

And now, as he went towering down,

His little head full low,
His sword flew up against his hat,

And gave him such a blow.

Off went at once his chapeau-bras,

And fell into the road :
Our Hero never stop't thereat,

But onward still he rode. •

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Thus, all along the District through,

These gambols he did play,
Until he came unto the spot

Where Winder's forces lay.

Up came Monroe, and Armstrong too,
And Rush brought up the last; —

The troopers pass'd, and hung their heads,
Asham'd that they were beat.

"Where are the British? Winder, where?

And Cockburn, where is he? —
D'ye think your men will fight, or run,

When they the British see? —

Armstrong and Rush, stay here in camp,
I'm sure you're not afraid; —

Onrself will now return; and you,
Monroe, shall be our Aid.

And, Winder, do not fire your guns,

Nor let your trumpets play,
Till we are out of sight — Forsooth,

My horse will run away.

The camp he quits : Monroe and he
With speed their steps retrace:

And soon they gain'd the northern road,
So rapid was their pace.

Then, speaking to his horse, he said,

"I am in haste to dine :
'Twas for your pleasure I came here;

You shall go back for mine."

Ah! luckless word, and bootless boast,
For which he paid full dear ! —

Just as he spake, a cannonade
Did roar most loud and clear.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Whereat his horse did snort, as if

He heard a lion roar,
And gallop'd off with all his might,

As he had done before.

Away went Madison — away

Went chapeau-bras once more;
So frighted was the horse, it fell

Much sooner than before.

Away went Madison — away

Monroe went at his heels —
And, all the while, his lab'ring back

A merry thumping feels.

Now, at Montgomery, his wife

Out of the window, spied
Her gallant husband, wond'ring much

To see how he did ride.

"Stop, stop ! your Highness, here's the house !"

They all at once did roar;
"Here, at Montgom'ry, you're as safe

As ten miles off or more ! —

"Stop him, Monroe ! here's sister Cutts,

The Girls, and Cutts, and I;
The dinner's cold, and we are tir'd!"

Monroe says, "So am I."

But neither his horse, nor James, a whit

Inclin'd to tarry there;
For why? — the distant cannonade

Was rumbling in his rear.

So, like an arrow swift, he flew,

Shot from an archer's bow ;
So did he fly — so after him

So swift did fly Monroe.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Six gentlemen upon the road

Beheld our General ride —
Monroe behind — the chapeau gone ;

The broad szvord by his side.

What News? What News? your Highness! say,

Not one of them was mute : —
He pass'd right on — they ; one and all,

Soon join'd in the pursuit.

But all the windows on the road

Flew open, in short space;
The women thinking, I suppose,

Our General rode Express:

And so he did ; for he first bore

The news to Frederick-town;
Nor stopt, from where he first got up,

Till he again got down.

Now long live Madison, the brave !

And Armstrong, long live he !
And Rash! and Cutts! Monroe! and Jones!

And Dolly, long live She!

The adherents of John Sioussat, the guardian of the
door, claim the honor of the rescue of the portrait and
inextinguishable honor on that account; more explicitly
that he deftly cut the canvas from the frame and warned
the gentlemen who were about to fold it not to do so for
fear of cracking. The testimony is not convincing yet
there is glory without dispute for Mr. Sioussat. He did
remain until all had fled and did rescue the bright-coated,
screech-voiced macaw — escorting her to Colonel Tay-
loe's. Mr. Sioussat continued on to Philadelphia.*

♦Half a century later, when the White House was undergoing a
renovation, this portrait was sent, with many others subsequently

184

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The news of the disaster at Washington reached
Washington Irving while descending at night, the Hud-
son. A person who came on at Poughkeepsie related in
detail the destruction of the public buildings. In a lull
a paltry spirit lifted itself from a settee and derisively
''wondered what Jimmy Madison would say now." In-
dignantly Mr. Irving responded :

Sir, do you seize on such a disaster only for a sneer?
Let me tell you, sir, it is not now a question about Jimmy
Madison or Jimmy Armstrong. The pride and honor
of the nation are wounded; the country is insulted and
disgraced by this barbarous success, and every loyal cit-
izen would feel the ignominy and be earnest to avenge it.

The news had only to reach Philadelphia for it to offer
to be an asylum for the homeless rulers and to make again
a home for the government.

This resolution was concurred August 27, 1814:

Resolved by the Select and Common Councils of the
city of Philadelphia, that the Presidents of Councils be
authorized to write to the President of the United States
and inform him, that if the executive and Congress deem
the city of Philadelphia a suitable place under existing
circumstances for them to assemble and reside at. that
the necessary buildings will be provided by councils for
their accommodation as well as the public offices attached
to the different departments.

added to this solitary collection, to be cleaned and the frame bur-
nished. The artist found on examination that the canvas had never
been cut, since the rusted tacks, time-worn frame, and the size
compared with the original picture, was the most conclusive evi-
dence that Mrs. Madison did not cut it out with a carving-knife, as
many traditions have industriously circulated. Ladies of the White
House. Laura Carter Holloway.

185

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

William Wirt to Mrs. Wirt :

Georgetown, D. C, October 14, 1814.

Here I am at Crawford's. * * * I am sur-
rounded by a vast crowd of Legislators and gentlemen
of the Turf, assembled for the races which are to com-
mence to-morrow. The races! — amid the ruins and
desolation of Washington.

% >)c ^c

I went to look at the ruins of the President's house.
The rooms which you saw so richly furnished, exhibited
nothing but unroofed naked walls, cracked, defaced and
blackened with fire. * * * From this mournful
monument of American imbecility and improvidence, and
of British atrocity, I went to the lobby of the House of
Representatives, — a miserable little narrow box, in which
I was crowded and suffocated three hours, in order to
see and hear the wise men of the nation. They are no
great things.

Mrs. Madison, while at her sister's, standing in the
doorway, saw the Rev. Mr. Brackenridge passing by.
She stopped him and said :

I little thought, Sir. when I heard that threatening
sermon of yours, that its denunciation would so soon be
realized.

And, seriously taking the remark, replied he :

Oh, Madam, I trust this chastening of the Lord, may
not be in vain.

National Intelligencer, September 9, 1814:

The Public Buildings having been mostly destroyed,
the various offices are locating themselves in those pri-
vate houses that are most commodious and conveniently
situated for the purpose. The President will occupy
Col. Tayloe's large house, which was lately occupied by

186

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the French Minister. The Department of State occupies
the house lately occupied by Judge Duvall. The Treas-
ury Department is fixed at the house formerly occupied
by the British Minister Foster; the War Office is in the
building adjoining the Bank of the Metropolis; the Navy
Office is in Mr. Mechlin's house near the West Market,
and the General Post Office is one of Mr. Way's new
houses.

The Commissioners on the part of the United States
first met with the Commissioners for Great Britain at
Ghent, August 6, 1814; the terms of the treaty were con-
cluded December 24, following.

The Octagon became the Executive Mansion. It was
officially known as the Executive Annex. It is at New
York avenue and Eighteenth street. It was built by
Colonel John Tayloe after plans of Dr. Thornton; com-
menced in 1798 and completed in 1800. In the drawing
room to the right of the hall on the first floor before the
mantel, classically carved, Queen Dolly did receive with
queenly grace.

A joyous occasion it was at the Octagon when news
of peace came. Elation of spirit rose high. A guest
writes :

Late in the afternoon came thundering down Penn-
sylvania Avenue a coach and four foaming steeds, in
which was the bearer of the good news. Cheers fol-
lowed the carriage as it sped on its way to the residence
of the President. Soon after nightfall, members of
Congress and others deeply interested in the event pre-
sented themselves at the President's house, the doors of
which stood open. When the writer of this entered the
drawing-room at about eight o'clock, it was crowded to
its full capacity, Mrs. Madison (the President being with
the Cabinet) doing the honors of the occasion. And

187

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

what a happy scene it was ! Among the members pres-
ent were gentlemen of opposite politics, but lately arrayed
against one another in continual conflict and fierce de-
bate, now with elated spirits thanking God, and with
softened hearts cordially felicitating one another upon
the joyful intelligence which (should the terms of the
treaty prove acceptable) should re-establish peace. But
the most conspicuous object in the room, the observed of
all observers, was Mrs. Madison herself, then in the me-
ridian of life and queenly beauty. She was in her person,
for the moment, the representative of the feelings of him
who was in grave consultation with his official advisers.
No one could doubt, who beheld the radiance of joy
which lighted up her countenance and diffused its beams
around, that all uncertainty was at an end, and that the
government of the country had, in very truth (to use an
expression of Mr. Adams on a very different occasion),
"passed from gloom to glory." With a grace all her own,
to her visitors she reciprocated heartfelt congratulations
upon the glorious and happy change in the aspect of
public affairs; dispensing with liberal hand to every in-
dividual in the large assembly the proverbial hospitalities
of that house.*

The valet has told this thrilling news with more thrill.
And in almost these exact words he says: When the
news of peace arrived we all went crazy with joy. Miss
Sally Coles, a cousin of Mrs. Madison, from the head of
the stairs cried out "Peace ! Peace !" and told the butler,
John Freeman, to serve out without stint wine to all
within. "I played the President's March on the violin,"
and Mr. Sioussat (the valiant who plotted the train of
powder, rescued the parrot and secreted the Algerian fire-
arms) with joy and wine was drunk for two days. It
appears from the valet's account that to Mr. Sioussat's

*Dolly Madison. Maud Wilder Goodwin.
188

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1202 D STREET, WASHINGTON. D. C.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

joyous exhibition others could not reach for says he :
"Mr. Madison and all his cabinet were as pleased as any,
but did not show their joy in this manner." And further
he says: "Such another joyful time was never seen in
Washington." With the news of peace came that of
General Jackson's victory at New Orleans and there were
great illuminations.

Mrs. Thornton's diary:

Feby 11. Saturday. Rockets fired for the Evacua-
tion of N. Orleans —

13. Rumours of expresses announcing peace.

14. Mrs Madison & Miss Coles called. — H.

Carroll arrived this eveng bringing the
Treaty. — *

15. We went to the Drawing Room, a crowd.

George Tn illuminated.
18. Treaty exchanged in the night of Friday —
Cannons Rockets & Illuminations to
night.

The Octagon was the Executive Mansion during the
Peace Winter.

The corner house of the Seven Buildings, Pennsyl-
vania Avenue and Nineteenth street, became the Exec-
utive Mansion until the close of Madison's administra-
tion. Now on the first floor are shelves lined with drugs
for physical disorders when then were concocted rem-
edies to heal the disruption with England and the
troubles of the States and now a tailor sitting Turk-like
sews up seams and puts on patches just like they did then
in political things. The belles and beaux and society gods
and goddesses ascended the mahogany stairway to the

*Treaty was signed that evening. See Ingersoll's History of
the Second War.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

drawing room on the second floor where under that same
chandelier suspended by a great chain stood the hostess.
And before the same windows stood with lighted candles
trained slaves as motionless as sculptured Egyptians.

Here a dinner was given General Andrew Jackson
where he appeared as awkward in stiff masculine dress
as did Queen Dolly gorgeous in a court gown, of which
the society reporter took note. The front of the petti-
coat was of pink satin embroidered in pale lavender and
natural colors; that the skirt and train draped over this
was of pink and lilac striped satin brocaded in silver; and
that the bodice of this toilet was cut very low.

A glimpse of the home and society life of Mrs. Mad-
ison while at the Seven Buildings and of Washington
ways are given by Mrs. Benjamin W. Crowninshiekl,
wife of the Secretary of the Navy, in letters to her
mother.

November 11, 1815.

About twelve o'clock Mr. C. came in and said I must
go immediately to see Mrs. Madison. Our girls went
with me. She lives in the same block with us. I did not
alter my dress. Well, we rung at the door, the servant
showed us to the room — no one there. It was a large
room, had three windows in front, blue window curtains
which appeared to be of embossed cambric, damask pat-
tern, red silk frinze * * * In about two minutes
the lady appeared, received us very agreeably, noticed
the children much, inquired their names, because she told
them she meant to be much acquainted with them. You
could not but feel at your ease in her company. She was
dressed in a white cambric gown, buttoned all the way
up in, front, a little strip of work along the button-holes,
but ruffled around the bottom. A peach-bloom colored
silk scarf with a rich border over her shoulders by her
sleeves. She had a spencer of satin of the same color,

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

and likewise a turban of gauze, all of peach bloom. She
looked very well indeed.*

Dec. 7: (1815)

Ball to-night. Last eve I went to the drawing-room.
We were not crowded, but one room well filled; all
much dressed, but their new dresses saved for this eve.
Mrs. Madison's is a sky-blue striped velvet — a frock —
fine, elegant lace round the neck and lace handkerchief
inside and a large ruff, white lace turban starred in gold,
and white feather. Clothes so long that stockings or
shoes are not seen, but white shoes generally worn. * * *
The folks here in the house say I must dress my hair, not
cover it up, so last eve it was combed up as high on the
top as I could get it, braided, and a bunch of flowers
pinned in with one of my best ornaments — the green and
gold one. In the evening Mrs. Madison said, "Oh, Mrs.
G, your butterfly is too much hidden." I asked her what
she meant. She replied "that elegant ornament in your
hair — it is superb indeed." I imagine she took a liking
to it, for she had neat little ornaments — emeralds set in
gold.f

This call in the columns of the National Intelligencer,
October 10, 1815 was for the formation of the Wash-
ington City Orphan Asylum :

Orphans' Asylum. The Ladies of the county of
Washington and neighborhood are requested to meet at
the Hall of Representatives, this day, at 11 o'clock, A.M.
for the purpose of joining an association to provide an
asylum for the destitute Orphans. When we reflect that
these orphans, by the death of their parents, are in a par-
ticular manner placed by Providence under the protec-
tion of society — when we consider the wretchedness and
vice to which they are peculiarly exposed, without the
benefit of the admonitory voice or the protecting care of
their parents, it is hoped that the Ladies will shew the

*The Story of the White House. Esther Singleton.
Vbid.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

interest they take in the fate of those destitute and for-
saken children, by their zeal and humanity in endeavor-
ing to supply to them, as far as in their power, the place
of the deceased parents. A nobler object cannot engage
the sympathy of our females — when we reflect, too, how
uncertain are all human possessions, we know not, but
that we may be providing a respectable and comfortable
asylum for our own descendants. — "Cast your bread upon
the waters, and after many days, it shall return to you."
— It is therefore hoped, that there will be a full and
punctual attendance: particularly by those ladies who
have already subscribed to this institution.

N. B. It will be recollected that the above day of
meeting will be the day of payment.

Mrs. Madison was elected first directress and Mrs.
Van Ness, second directress. Mrs. Madison held the
honor during Mr. Madison's presidency. She gave
twenty dollars and a cow and besides her own deft
handiwork in cutting for the seamstresses.

In after years in the newspaper the asylum authorities
made acknowledgment of donations and admonition for
others in this quaint quotation from the scriptures: Ye
shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears,
until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering
unto your God.

Mrs. Crowninshield, 1815, writes:

Christmas morn. It seems more like our Indepen-
dence— guns firing all night. I am going to the Cath-
olic church — it is their great day. Last eve we passed at
the President's — took the girls with us. * * * She
had the parrot brought in for the girls, and he ran after
Mary to catch her feet. She screamed and jumped into
a chair and pulled hold of Mrs. Madison. We had quite
a frolic there, returning soon after eight.*

*The Story of the White House. Esther Singleton.
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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

At the New Year's reception, 1816, Mrs. Crownin-
shield made note of this costume:

Mrs. Madison was dressed in a yellow satin embroid-
ered all over with sprigs of butterflies, not two alike in
her dress ; a narrow border in all colors, made high in the
neck; a little cape, long sleeves, and a white bonnet with
feathers.*

Mrs. Crowninshield chronicles an incident indicative
of Mrs. Madison's self-inconvenience in consideration of
others.

February 1, 1816.

Mrs. Madison has been sick since Sunday — bilious
colic. I have seen her once since, and she left her cham-
ber to meet a party in her drawing-room who dined there,
but she could not go to the table, and has been more un-
well since — had no levee last evening.!

Mrs. Crowninshield, February 16, 1816, writes:

I was at the drawing-room on Wednesday — expected
to be the only one, as there were so many the last Levee,
and there was another party the same eve. Soon after
I got in Mrs. Madison said how much we think alike —
both with a little blue and flowers. I had on my blue
velvet and flowers on my head. Mrs. Madison a muslin
dotted in silver over blue — a beautiful blue turban and
feathers. I have never seen her look so well.$

It is reported that the most splendid Presidential re-
ception ever given to that date was in February, 1816. §

*Recollection of Men and Things at Washington during the
third of a Century. L. A. Gobright.

fThe Story of the White House. Esther Singleton.

tlbid.

§Ibid.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

"The decorations were magnificent, and the building was
brilliantly illuminated from garret to cellar, much of this
light being made by pine torches held by trained slaves."
Chief Justice Marshall and the Associate Justices of the
Supreme Court, in their gowns, were there; and, the
Peace Commissioners — Bayard, Clay, Gallatin and Rus-
sell; and Generals Brown, Gaines, Ripley and Scott, with
their aids, in their military gorgeousness ; and the Dip-
lomatic Corps in their decorations. The Cabinet and
Congress and citizens were there. In this aggregation
of suns, stars and satellites shined most dazzlingly, Dolly.
"Mrs. Madison appeared in a toilet of rose-colored satin,
and white velvet train, which swept the floor for several
yards. The train was lined with lavender satin and
edged with a ruching of lace. She also wore a gold gir-
dle and gold necklace and bracelets. This costume was
completed by a turban of white velvet, trimmed with
white ostrich tips, and a gold embroidered crown." Mrs.
Madison's beauty of person, grace in manner, sparkle of
speech, richness in apparel, elicited from Sir Charles
Bagot, himself handsome and courtlike — "she looked
every inch a queen."

This was the hey-dey of her glory. Her spirit was
bright. The brightness of her spirit was matched by the
brightness of her dress. Any somberness of apparel of
her girlhood was over-equalled by the gayety of that of
her womanhood.

Mrs. Crowninshield, April 6, 1816, writes:

We dined at the President's on Tuesday. The din-
ner very handsome, more so than any I have seen — the
heads of Departments and all the foreign Ministers there.
Mrs. Bagot dressed in a light green Italian crepe, striped
with folds of white satin about a quarter apart, a roll of

194

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

satin at the bottom with large braids of satin. It was
shorter than the satin dress under it. It stuck out very
much around the bottom. Three bracelets on one arm,
two on the other — all different. A string of pearls round
her neck — dress very low behind. She has the whitest
neck I ever saw, for she has black eyes and hair, and
white flowers round her head, and her hair was above it
— a great wave on the top. * * * She is a very
agreeable lady — is determined to be pleased with every-
thing.*

The Right Honorable Charles Bagot, Grand Cross of
the Bath and Privy Councillor, His British Majesty's
Minister, was cultured and courteous and fit to conciliate
the countries at the conclusion of the war. His equip-
ment of excellence was emphasized by the presence of the
most beautiful Mrs. Bagot. Sir Charles was of lineage,
antique and aristocratic; his father was Lord Bagot of
Bagot's Bromley, and his mother, the daughter of Lord
Bolingbroke. Lady Bagot was the Honorable Miss
Wellesley, daughter of Lord Maryborough, Earl of
Mornington, and the niece of the Duke of Wellington.
Her father and his brother, Lord Cowley, had celebrity
for handsomeness. The brother had the prethought ful-
ness to have Sir Thomas Lawrence preserve in oil paints
his handsomeness for to the eyes to be a perpetual feast.
Lady Bagot like Sir Charles was a diplomat and none
discerned she disliked the society of the States and de-
plored "the necessity of sticking pins in herself to keep
awake at the stupid balls." Sir Charles and Lady Bagot
were with the Madisons en rapport and visited Mont-
pellier.f

*The Story of the White House. Esther Singleton.
William Winston Seaton. A Biographical Sketch.

195

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Two ladies of the common people from the West were
lost on their way to the President's house. An elderly
gentleman, a friend of the Madison's, amused at their
rusticity and pleased with their simplicity conducted them
in person. The family were at breakfast, nevertheless,
Mrs. Madison promptly came into the drawing-room and
by her cordiality eased the ladies of their timidity. That
the President's Lady should be so plainly dressed, to wit :
"in a dark gray stuff dress, with a white apron, and ker-
chief pinned across her breast" astonished them and also
assured them that she was not elevated in spirit as in sta-
tion and made so bold "P'r'aps you wouldn't mind if I
just kissed you, to tell my girls about." They both car-
ried away the happy recollection of a kiss with the en-
dearing embrace that went with it.*

That Mrs. Madison heightened the tint given her by
nature was claimed by her sex that were envious. Mrs.
Seaton put in her journal:

January 2, 1813.

* * * Mrs. Madison is said to rouge ; but not evident
to my eyes, and I do not think it true, as I am well as-
sured I saw her color come and go at the naval ball, when
the flag of the Macedonian was presented to her by
young Hamilton.!

Miss Mary Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Smith's niece, was at a
drawing room, December 4, 1816, and she observed that
Mrs. Madison's "face look'd like a flame." Upon this,
Mrs. Smith's annotator, unmindful it was either heat or
health, ungallantly asserts that "Truth compels the state-
ment— Mrs. Madison painted."$ But I adopt the same

*Ladies of the White House. Laura Carter Holloway.

\William Winston Seaton. A Biographical Sketch.

XForty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

196

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

compliment The Good-Natured Man made to his adored
— "Your warmer blushes soon convinced the company,
that the colouring was all from nature." Others have
adopted for this period a convenient territory, that is,
some did paint that need not to, not to he odd with the
fashion.

Mrs. Seaton in her journal, immediately supplements
the sentence above :

Mrs. C. and Mrs. G. paint excessively, and think it
becoming; but with them it was no deception, only folly,
and they speak of it as indispensable to a decent appear-
ance.*

Dolly was standing at the window of her home on
Fourth street in Philadelphia; her friend, Mistress Lee,
asked that she bend so that her blooming cheeks might
be reached ; the friend's suspicions were false — the color
was too deep for erasure.

In May, 1816, The Washington, Commodore Isaac
Chauncey in command, arrived at Annapolis, where she
attracted much attention. An American seventy-four
was so unusual a sight that she was visited by a party
from Washington, consisting of the President and Mrs.
Madison, Secretary Crowninshield, and Navy Commis-
sioners Rodgersf and Porter.

William W. Birth who passed nearly all of his ninety
and nine years in Washington had this interesting recol-
lection :

In the easternmost of the Seven Buildings, at the
corner of 19th street, President Madison lived for a short
time, after the burning of his national home in August,

*William Winston Seaton. A Biographical Sketch.
^Commodore John Rodgers. Charles Oscar Paullin.

197

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

1814. I remember seeing Mrs. Madison there frequently
at the corner window feeding and petting a fine macaw
parrot. This bird's brilliant plumage was a great at-
traction to the youngsters of both sexes of that time, and
at the regular feeding hours many were drawn to the
corner to see the handsome bird and hear its mistress
talk to it. She as well as her pet was very engaging. I
can clearly recall her as she appeared in her inevitable
turban. Mrs. Madison was a favorite under all circum-
stances, in all places and on all occasions. She was not
beautiful, but there was a something in her manner that
always interested and charmed.

Fitz-Greene Halleck, of ease and elegance in prose as
in poetry, who made Marco Bozzaris immortal and in the
doing himself,

One of the few, the immortal names that were not
born to die,

had in his coterie of cultured friends the gentlemen
who took a part in the rescue of the Washington por-
trait— Jacob Barker and Robert G. L. DePeyster.
Barker was a banker and had his counting-room at 84
South street and in Wall street at the time Halleck was
of his bookkeepers. Halleck and DePeyster were life-
friends and exchanged letters of polished phrasing upon
topics social and sometimes political and of the latter
character the poet notwithstanding as he confessed had
never himself voted politically but had socially twice,
"once for an assistant alderman, and once for a ten-dollar
bill, both of which proved counterfeit.

In the letter to his mother which follows the poet
struck a practical note, true now as then, that is, the
greatness of the republic's city will be greater in a multi-

198

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

plied measure when its citizens have the energy and en-
terprise to encourage commerce.

To Mrs. Israel Halleck, 1816:

In November, having some business in Philadelphia,
and actuated by a desire to see (or rather to say that I
had seen) some of the Southern cities, I travelled as far
as Alexandria, in Virginia, stopping some days at Phila-
delphia, Baltimore, Washington, etc., on the way. * * *
Washington is a mere desert. Well might Anacreon
Moore ridicule its "Goose Creek," its swamps and
marshes. Since he visited it some slight improvement
has been made, but the present generation and its chil-
dren's children will rest quiet in their grave or sleep in
'dull cold marble' before it will present an appearance
worthy of its illustrious founder. Its natural situation
is, however, admirable. Its site is very commanding,
and had it the aid of commerce, without which nothing
can nourish (I might almost say exist) in this country,
its choice as the capital of a great empire would have
been highly judicious. I paused for some time on the
field of Bladensburg, rendered memorable by the battle
which decided the fate of Washington, and added one to
the tears of indignation and regret which every American
must drop upon that spot. Never was there a better
place for defense marked out by the finger of Nature
for a warrior's choice, and never was there a field more
shamefully abandoned. The English fought like blood-
hounds. They had to march every step of the way up-
hill, and, had had any thing like a decent resistance been
made to their progress, the bloody victory of St. Sebas-
tian's would have found its rival in historic annals. The
roadside is dotted with the graves of their dead; over
that of a colonel who fell in the battle, a small sprig of
mullet had grown, as if Nature meant to mark it as dis-
tinct from the common dust of the forgotten brave.
Caps, shreds of cloth, etc., and now and then an arm or
a leg, scattered on the field, were still discernible when

199

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

I passed. The capitol and President's house were in
ruins. They had commenced repairing them, but it must
take many years to reinstate them in their former splen-
dor. They were very fine buildings, the President's
house certainly the finest in America. His Excellency
was then in town. He was ill, and I did not see him.
His brother-in-law, Mr. Cutts, with whom I was ac-
quainted, offered to introduce me, but, as my stay was
very short, I declined his offer. I saw Mrs. Madison at
the theatre, where a number of gentlemen amateurs were
murdering a play or two. She is a very handsome, dig-
nified-looking personage, and I understand presides at
her levee in a style not excelled by European courts.
She has much suavity of manner and of the grace and
demeanor of polished society than her husband. I also
saw Mr. and Mrs. Gallatin, and sundry other "great
folks," whose sole interest was derived from their tem-
porary ascendency in the concerns of our famous Re-
public.

An English traveller, Lieut. Francis Hall, 14th Light
Dragoons has so described the local scene in his Travels
in Canada and The United States in 1816 and ±Ci? that
the render can see it in this distance of time and without
eyes almost as clearly as Mrs. Madison actually did, day
by day:

From the foot of the Capitol hill there runs a straight
road, (intended to be a street,) planted with poplars for
about two miles, to the President's house, a handsome
stone mansion, forming a conspicuous object from the
Capitol Hill : near it are the public offices, and some
streets nearly filled up : about a half a mile further is a
pleasant row of houses, in one of which the President at
present resides : there are a few tolerable houses still
further on the road to George Town, and this is nearly
the sum total of the City for 1816. It used to be a joke
against Washington, that next door neighbours must go
through a wood to make their visits; but the jest and

200

MRS. JOHN P. VAN NESS
By Charles B. King

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

forest have vanished together: there is now scarcely a
tree betwixt George Town and the Navy Yard, two miles
beyond the Capitol, except the poplars I have mentioned,
which may be considered as the locum tenentes of future
houses. I doubt the policy of such thorough clearing;
clumps of trees are preferable objects to vacant spaces,
and the city in its present state, being commenced from
the extremities instead of the centre, has a disjointed and
naked appearance.

And the traveller who has written his narrative enter-
tainingly without departing from veracity has this of the
presidential procedure, socially:

The President, or rather his lady, holds a drawing-
room weekly, during the sitting of Congress. He takes
by the hand those who are presented to him; shaking
hands being discovered in America to be more rational
and manly than kissing them. For the rest, it is much
as such things are every where, chatting, and tea, com-
pliments and ices, a little music, (some scandal, I sup-
pose, among the ladies,) and to bed.

Samuel Lorenzo Knapp says :

The president's house is a magnificent mansion.
* * * On the south eastern side of the wall there is
a stone arch for a gateway; it looks, from the an-
tiquity of the style and the colour of the material of
which it is made, as if it had stood centuries defying the
climate. Two large ancient weeping willows, one on
each side of the arch, add much to its venerable appear-
ance. These trees have not grown up since the date of
the federal constitution. They are older than the city's
charter. They were provincial seedlings, now national
monuments, j It is said that an accomplished lady of the
Great House in former days, when congratulated upon
her elevation, remarked with a smile, "I don't know that
there is much cause for congratulation; the President of

201

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the United States generally comes in at the iron gate,
and goes out at the weeping willows."

The jest is not definitely attributed to Mrs. Madison
but John Quincy Adams said "The term of her husband's
Presidency was tempestuous and turbulent" and she
knew that the Presidential honor comes with thorns as
the rose is not all color and fragrance.

202

Z z^ffi ''' w*BwtSB!we

CHAPTER V

1817-1830

THE reign of Madison as President and of Mrs.
Madison as First Lady was in a few days to be
no more. Mr. Madison to William Eustis,
March, 1817, writes:

Mrs. M. would gladly say what would equally express
the feelings she retains for Mrs. Eustis, but she is obliged,
by intense occupations in the packing and other arrange-
ments, to refer to me the pleasure of doing it for her.*

On March 4, Mr. Madison responded to the citizens
of Washington, in a speech, short and stately.f

Mrs. Lee wrote to Mrs. Madison the letter. The
writer is the same Mistress Lee to whom Dolly wrote of
the introduction of Madison to be made by Burr :

Washington, March 4, 1817.

My Dear Friend, — On this day eight years ago, I wrote
from the retirement of Sully to congratulate you on the
joyful event that placed you in the highest station our
country can bestow. I then enjoyed the proudest feelings
— that my friend, the friend of my youth, who never had
forsaken me, should be thus distinguished and so pecu-
liarly fitted for it.

How much greater cause have I to congratulate you
at this period, for having so filled it as to render yourself
more enviable this day than your successor, as it is more
difficult to deserve gratitude and thanks of the com-
munity than their congratulations. You have most de-
cidedly deserved all of this. Being deprived, by the sick-
ness of my child, from joining the multitude to-day in

*Letters and Other Writings of James Madison.
flbid.

203

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

paying my respects where they are due, I feel the sweetest
consolation in devoting myself to you. My heart clings
to you, my beloved friend, and has done so for the last
fortnight, with a selfishness that produces the keenest
feelings of regret, and though my domestic habits, more
than inclination, have prevented my taking advantage of
your kind invitations to be more with you, yet I felt a
security and pleasure in being so near you, and a confi-
dence in your affection, that constituted my chief pride as
a citizen, I assure you. But the period has at length ar-
rived when we must again part. You will retire from the
tumult and fatigue of public life to your favorite retreat
in Orange County, and will carry with you principles and
manners not to be put off with the robe of state, having
been drawn from maternal breasts, and nurtured from
the example of those dear, pious parents, to whom you
ever resigned yourself with such filial obedience and de-
votion as to bring their blessings on your head. Talents
such as yours were never intended to remain inactive ; on
retiring from public life, you will form a more fortunate
arrangement of your time, be able to display them in the
more noble and interesting walks of life. You will cher-
ish them, my dear friend, in a more native soil ; they will
constitute the chief felicity of your dear, venerated hus-
band, and descend in full perfection to your son. I re-
member at this moment, in my last conversation with my
venerable uncle, your father's friend, he said of you,
"She will hold out to the end; she was a dutiful daughter,
and never turned her back on an old friend, and was
charitable to the poor." Will you do me the favor, dear
Dolly, — for it is near my heart that you should, — take
advantage of some leisure moment to say something for
me to your husband. In the fullness of my gratitude I
can express nothing, but shall ever hold in remembrance
the highly valued friendship and confidence he has shown
my husband. I rejoice to hear that you do not leave the
city very soon, and may hope to enjoy your society,
though I presume your engagements are most numerous
just now. I must ask your pardon for thrusting such an
epistle upon you, but it relieves my heart, and will not,

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

I trust, wound yours; it demands no other acknowledg-
ment, at present, than a cordial reception. It grows dark,
and I want you to have this on this momentous evening.
Believe me most truly yours,

Eliza Lee.

Mr. Johnson was an Associate Justice of the United
States Supreme Court.

Washington, 1817.

I am this moment on the eve of leaving Washington,
and shall leave it without a parting interview with one
whom I must be indulged in the liberty of comprising
among the most respected and most cherished of my
friends. But you, madam, cannot mistake the feelings
which dictate to me this mode of making you an humble
tender of a most affectionate adieu.

You are now about to enter upon the enjoyment of the
most enviable state which can fall to the lot of mankind —
to carry with you to your retirement the blessings of all
who ever knew you. Think not, madam, that I address
to you the language of flattery. It is what no one but
yourself would hesitate at conceding. And be assured
that all who have ever enjoyed the honor of your ac-
quaintance, will long remember that polite condescension
which never failed to encourage the diffident, that suavity
of manner which tempted the morose or thoughtful to
be cheerful, or that benevolence of aspect which suffered
no one to turn from you without an emotion of gratitude.

Permit, madam, one who has shared his due proportion
of your attentions to make you a sincere tender of the
most heartfelt gratitude and respect, and wish that you
may long enjoy every blessing that Heaven dispenses to
the meritorious.

Do me the favor to tender to Mr. Madison also a
respectful adieu, and a cordial and sincerely friendly one
to your son.

Very respectfully,
William Johnson, Jr.*

*Dolly Madison. Maud Wilder Goodwin.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The Madisons retired to Montpellier. Not strictly
for retirement. Mr. Madison was constantly employed
in study and correspondence. Mrs. Madison had the
care of the garden, the domestic direction and the man-
agement of the plantation. She read to her husband.
She attended his mother. At times she herself was in-
disposed and held to her bed, yet this did not exempt her
from the strain of supervision. The hordes of guests
came to Montpellier — the great indeed and those feeling
great, the welcome and those to be made welcome.

The overtax of hospitality was much the same at Jef-
ferson's. The steward of Monticello, Captain Bacon,
says of the guests:

They travelled in their own carriages and came in
gangs, the whole family with carriage and riding horses
and servants, sometimes three or four such gangs at a
time. We had thirty-six stalls for horses, and only used
about ten of them for the stock we kept there. Very
often all of the rest were full and I had to send horses
off to another place. I have often sent a wagon-load of
hay up to the stable, and the next morning there would
not be enough left to make a bird's nest. I have killed
a fine beef and it would be eaten in a day or two.*

Between the families, Jefferson and Madison, was
closest intimacy. Monticello and Montpellier were about
thirty miles apart — a day's journey.

Washington, June 29-1817-
My beloved friend

I did not intend your Sister should have left the city
without a letter from me acknowledging the receipt of
those precious testimonies of your Friendship, and confi-
dence, lately finished by Wood. — At no other period of
our lives could they have been so acceptable.

*Dolly Madison. Maud Wilder Goodwin.
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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The likeness of your dear Husband almost breaths
and exprefses much of the serenity of his feelings at the
moment it was taken, in short, it is, himself, and most
valuable to us. —

Your likenei's my dear friend is not so satisfactory to
me. to a common observer, it is sufficient, and instantly
recognized. — But I lament the absence of that exprefsion
of your eye, which speaks from, and to, the Heart — the
want of which robs your countenance of its richest treas-
ure. And tho, whilst memory lasts, I shall always be able
to supply, to myself, the deficiency, yet I regret I cannot
paint it to my children. Wood however, has promised to
try his skill again when we meet in Washington. * * *

Adieu God bless you all

Affey Eliza Lee

The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Madison by Wood are
in the possession of Lee connections, the Davidges. It
is not the portrait of Mrs. Madison by Wood made fa-
miliar by reproductions in engravings.

Oliver Oldschool (Nathan Sargent) in The Port Folio,
April, 1818:

It is our privilege to offer a passing testimony to dis-
tinguished excellence; but on the present occasion we do
not feel authorized to enter into the usual details of biog-
raphy. At a time when the restless spirit of party covered
every path with thorns, this lady held the branch of con-
ciliation and she well deserves a place among those who
endeavour to promote peace and good will. In the ex-
alted station from which she recently descended, she
never neglected her early friends, but extended to all who
approached her, those attentions which add dignity to the
great and inspire the humble with confidences. A poli-
tician of the present day, exclaimed, on a memorable oc-
casion, "We are all federalists, we are all republicans."
In her intercourse with society, Mrs. Madison reduced
this liberal sentiment to practice; her circle was at once

207

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the model of polished life and the dwelling of cheerful-
ness. We had the pleasure of seeing her some years ago,
on the occasion of a splendid fete, which was given by
his excellency M. Daschkoff, the minister from Russia,
in honor of the natal day of his sovereign. We remarked
the ease with which she glided into the stream of con-
versation and accommodated herself of its endless variety.
In the art of conversation she is said to be distinguished,
and it became evident in the course of the evening, that
the gladness which played in the countenances of those
whom she approached, was inspired by something more
than mere respect. * * *

We have not forgotten how admirably the air of au-
thority was softened by the smile of gayety: and it is
pleasing to recall a certain expression that must have been
created by the happiest of all dispositions — a wish to
please, and a willingness to be pleased. This, indeed, is
to be truly good and really 'great. Like a summer's sun
she rose in our political horizon, gloriously, and she sunk,
benignly.

March 30th 1819
My belovcl friend,

* Do you know? or do not know my belov'd
Dolly that your absence from this city is more and more
lamented. That the urbanity, benevolence, and cheerful-
nefs that was di fused through the circles over which you
presided will be long sought for in vain — But you are
happier and Oh! that I could witnefs that superior hap-
pinefs you enjoy in bestowing those talents and virtues on
the dear objects that alone claim them — Truly did I enjoy
the picture painted by the pen of Mrs Miller in a letter a
few days since, as original as herself she says "I spent 2
days with Mr and M" Madison — they enquired kindly
after you. Her soul is as big as ever and her body has
not decreased. Mr M. is the picture of happinefs they
look like Adam and eve in Paradise — * * *

E. Lee

Mrs. Madison was the first lady of the land and Mad-
ame de Neuville was the first lady of the other lands. In

208

unuinmimimmunffmmmCTimHl

JOHN PETER VAN NESS

By Gilbert Stuart

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the world of society in the Capital City, Mrs. Madison
was the most popular of our own women, and Madame
de Neuville was the most popular of the representative
women of the foreign lands.

The honor of Mrs S. H. Smith's company is requested
at a Ball, to be given in compliment to his Excellency Mr.
Hyde de Neuville and his Lady, on Tuesday evening,
the 18th inst. in the Mayor's Buildings, adjoining the
Franklin Hotel.

Managers.

Benj. G. Orr, John Tayloe,
D. Carroll, of Dud'n, Alexander Kerr,

John Rodgers, W. W. Seaton,

Henry Huntt, James Eakin,

David M. Forrest, French Forrest.

Washington City, May 8, 1819.

Mrs. Seaton was a fair reporter :

May, 1819.

The public ball was a great success, Monsieur de Neu-
ville making a very impressive little speech of thanks to
the citizens. William, with five other married men, offi-
ciated as master of ceremonies, and I was pleased that he
had an opportunity of testifying respect for the worthy
old couple, as we have spent many agreeable hours in their
hospitable house. They are uncertain if their master*
will send them here again, but profess a desire to repre-
sent their nation at this republican capital rather than at
any of the splendid courts of Europe, not excepting St.
Petersburg, considered by the far the most magnificent
in the world. They came, the morning they started, to
see us, bringing remembrances of the children. The
French, more than any other people, study these graceful
attentions, slight in themselves, but the sure avenue to a
mother's heart.f

*Williaui Winston Seaton. A Biographical Sketch.
flbid.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. Madison to Mr. Coles:

Montpellier, September 3, 1819.

We congratulate you much on the various successes
of your western career, and the first thing that strikes
us is the rapidity of your promotions. Bounding over the
preliminary sailorship, the first step on the deck of your
bark — pardon me, of the noble structure the Ark — makes
you a pilot ; the name of pilot is scarcely pronounced be-
fore you are a captain; and in less than a twinkling of an
eye the captain starts up a commodore. On the land a
scene opens out before us in which you, too, figure. We
see you at once a ploughman, a rail-splitter, a fence-
builder, a corn-planter, and a hay-maker. To all these
rural functions, which leave but a single defect in your
title of husband — (man), you add the facilities of a town
life. And to cap the whole you enjoy the official dignity
of "Register of Land Office" in the important Territory
of Illinois.

* * Mrs. Madison as well as myself is much grati-
fied by your promise to devote the next winter to your
native haunts. We sincerely hope your arrangements
will give us an ample share of your time. We will then
take the case of your bachelorship into serious and full
consideration. Mrs. Madison is well disposed to give all
her aid in getting that old thorn out of your side, and
putting a young rib in its place. She very justly remarks,
however, that with your own exertions hers will not be
wanted, and without them, not deserved.

Accept our joint wishes for your health and every
other happiness.

James Madison.*

To Governor Coles, Illinois.

Montpellier, September 5, 1819.

I am afraid, dear cousin, that while you and I deliber-
ate who to choose for a wife, we shall lose some of the

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
210

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

finest girls now grown. For instance, it is reported that
Ellen Randolph is to be married to General Cooke, and
Virginia to William Burwell. Our niece Eliza was mar-
ried to Mr. Willis in May, and her sister is to be bound
to her brother on the 16th of this month ; still I have hopes
for you, that your future one may become manifest to
reward your merits and long search.

We have been expecting a visit from my beloved, Sally,
until within the last few days, when I was informed she
had gone to the Virginia Springs. Payne still says he
will write to you. I suspect he begins to feel with you
that a good wife would add to his happiness. I am
sadly disappointed at not having my dear Lucy with me
next winter; the Judge has persuaded her to remain in
Frankfort until they can remove altogether, which the
change in the judiciary will soon authorize him to do.
* * * I must not expect to amuse you, only in truth
can assure you of our affectionate interest and friend-
ship, hoping to see you soon amongst us.

Dolly P. Madison.*

The correspondence discloses that for Miss Phoebe,
Mrs. Madison had a strong affection; and that Mrs.
Madison had an anticipation of a marriage which would
make Miss Phoebe a near relative. Parental suggestion,
although mildly or indirectly given, in such matters
arouses sometimes a spirit of contrariness. At any rate,
Mr. Payne parried and tarried until the affair drifted
into indifference.

Bolton Farm March 22 1820—

My dear M" Madison

* When I review the incidents in my life which
will appear to me among the most important in its varied
character, I always trace your hand in their origin ; & shall
always ascribe to it an influence which shall be gratefully

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

acknowledged as to my good & guardian Genius. When

life was new & gaiety & fashion & perhaps folly, were my

favorite pursuits you guided my steps thro' the giddy

dance, at a time too, when the dignity & brilliancy of your

station, while they confer'd favor on every object of its

selection, might well have divided & distracted your

choice. To the delicacy of your attention then, & since,

I have never been insensible, & will never permit myself

to think that I am not among the first who ought to be

selected to smooth the pillow of sicknefs when it may

assail you, or to assist you in every office of affection.
* * *

Your ever faithful & most affeate friend,

P. P. Morris

Montpellier, July 5, 1820.

I have just received yours, dearest Anna, and rejoice
that you are well and have your friends about you. Yes-
terday we had ninety persons to dine with us at one table,
— put up on the lawn, under a thick arbor. The dinner
was profuse and good, and the company very orderly.
Many of them were old acquaintance of yours, and among
them the two Barbours. We had no ladies except mother
Madison, and Nelly Willis ; the day was cool and pleasant ;
half a dozen only stayed all night with us, and they are
now about to depart. Colonel Monroe's letter this morn-
ing announces the advent of the French Minister, and we
shall expect him this evening, or perhaps sooner. I am
less worried here with an hundred visitors than with
twenty-five in Washington, — this summer especially. I
wish, dearest, you had just a country home as this. I
truly believe it is the happiest and most true life, and
would be so good for you and the dear children.
Always your devoted sister,

Dolly P. Madison.*

Mrs. Madison was intensely human. The experiences,
the hopes, all that is common to the genus, that is good,

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
212

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

was hers. And who of the humans who has a rural
retreat and is selfish but gloats that the possession is his
and if unselfish but grieves that others are denied such
joys as are his. Mrs. Madison, unselfish, unusually un-
selfish, grieves that her sister does not have the happiest
and truest life in a country home like hers.

His hospitable gate,
Unbarr'd to all, invites a numerous train
Of daily guests.

Jefferson at Monticello and Monroe at Oak Hill, the
former's estate now close to the enclosure of the Uni-
versity of Virginia and the latter's within, were actually
eaten out of house and home. These statesmen who
could frame a declaration to create a nation or formulate
a doctrine to preserve a nation had not sufficient stamina
to stand against the selfish crowds or had not sufficient
sense to be aware that if more is paid out than comes in,
in the course of time, is bankruptcy. The letter of Mrs.
Madison to her sister, immediately before quoted, in-
dicates that at Montpellier were the same large ideas of
hospitality as at Monticello and Oak Hill.

To Mrs. Madison :

Dr Madam

Phoebe had delayed so long a reply to your most
wellcome letter of April in the daily expectation of seeing
Mr Todd, that she was about concluding him a false
knight, and was actually preparing a denunciation of him
to you, when he suddenly appeared at Bolton to speak
for himself, which he has done so amiably and satisfac-
torily that he has silenced all censure, and made the most
favorable imprefsions on our hearts, indeed my excellent
friend I cant convey to you the pleasure his company

213

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

afforded to us all. * * * Phoebe is preparing for a

ride with him to Bristol, and has made me her Secy.

* * *

Yr most devoted Friend

A. Morris.
Bolton, near Bristol,

Penna.
July. 14 1820.

Sunday, July 15th (1820)

My dearest Mrs Madison,

I have delayed answering your most welcome letter,
because it led me to expect the pleasure of seeing your
Son, who did not arrive until last Wednesday. I dare say
he has been sufficiently wearied with my questions, for I
was so glad to see him and to know every thing about
you, how you looked, what you did, what you put on, &c
&c all the minute details which I thought my long absence
would make reasonable, however I think I have extracted
this satisfaction from him, that you are still my own Mrs
Madison, blooming, gay, and affectionate as ever. My
dear, Father is in very good health, & tolerable spirits,
although I think he looks considerably older than when
you saw him. It is a long time since I have seen him
so much gratified as by the visit of Mr Todd who he says
he admires for his own sake & loves for yours — Our resi-
dence is retired enough to exclude much gaiety, but not
to deprive us of reasonable gratifications, & the sweet
prattle of our little family, is more enlivening than any
entertainment you can imagine. They are, (in our eyes,
I mean) beautiful as cherubs and full of intelligence.
Major Nourse is now stationed at Bristol, which is an
additional source of pleasure to us, as Louisa and I divide
much of our time between our dear Rebecca, & our own
home. He endeavored without success to, induce Payne
to remain for a longer time among us & carried him to
Bristol to vary the scene where Major Nourse wished
him to continue for a few days, but all our united attrac-
tions failed after two short days & he proceeded on his

214

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

journey. The tranquil uniformity of our lives leaves
but little to enliven or narrate in a letter, though it is a
situation exempt from much care, and if properly con-
sidered a happier one than the more turbulent varieties
of the gay world can offer — for my own part, one of the
liveliest sensations of my heart which is now ungratified
is that I do not see you for

Oft in the stilly night

When slumber's chain has bound me
Fond mem'ry brings the light

Of other days around me.

* * *

— believe me, your ever affectionate

Phoebe P. Morris.

— I was glad to recee the few lines from you at Baltimore,
my dearest Payne and can have no doubt that you have
good reasons for remaining there — I am sorry & dis-
appointed at my letters not reaching your hands — I wrote
you at W. at Phila & at Baltimore, those for the last
place were enclosed to your aunt C. who, I desired would
keep the last one until she saw you. It was short, & in
my great alarm it contained a request that you wd come
to me as I had a wish to travel a distance from home on
acct of the Typhus fever — but that fear has been dissi-
pated for the present by children in the house geting well
& the negros also. I trust therefore that you will not
leave your businefs unfinished on my account tho I can-
not expref s my anxiety to see you. * * *

Adieu my son — may Heaven bless thee! Your papa
sends his love to you

24th May. 21
Payne Todd
Washington
care of

M^ Cutts

Montpellier, April 9, 1823.

I am impatient to hear from you, my dearest Payne,
and had I known where to direct I should have written

215

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

you before this : not that there is anything particular to
communicate, but for the pleasure of repeating how much
I love you, and to hear of your happiness.

Your father received the journal of "Las Casas," with
your name in it, from Philadelphia, which is an indica-
tion that you are there, and I write accordingly. We
returned yesterday from Monticello, after passing three
days with Mr. Jefferson and one with Judge Nelson.
* * * Adieu, my dear boy. Your father joins me
in affectionate wishes for you.

Your

Mother*

Mrs. Madison was not "exempt from public haunt" in
her rural retreat yet less for a few years is recorded of
her.

The source of tiredness that affected Mrs. Madison
has affected the countless many since.

We see & hear so much of the Pre1 candidates that I
am as tired of them as I was of Monroes Tour
Adieu my dearest son

Allways your affecte

M
April 12 '23

Monroe's tour began in June and ended in September
(1817.) Monroe, after the inaugural ceremonies, re-
turned to his residence, 2017 I Street, and held a recep-
tion.

The next letter ends the letters of Miss Phoebe.
Phoebe Pemberton Morris in 1825 died at Bolton Farm.
She was sweet and sympathetic.

Washington January 19, 1824.

My dearest Mrs. Madison, — I have been in Washing-
ton about a fortnight, where every body reminds me of

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
216

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

you; but alas! sometimes painfully, for so many scenes
of joy and sorrow have passed since the happy period of
my early youth, which was rendered more joyous by your
protecting care. We are very comfortably established
together at the "six buildings." I often think of you
and my dear Mr. Madison alone at Montpelier, for you
have told me that there is not much visiting in winter.
I know all your motions and ways so well, that at any
hour of the day I can represent to myself what you are
doing. What do you think of the probability of having
the Marquis de Lafayette for a visit, for surely Mont-
pelier will be the first place to fly to, when he comes to
the United States. * * *

* * * We all attended Mrs. Adams's reception on
the 8th, and it was really a very brilliant party, and ad-
mirably well arranged. The ladies climbed the chairs
and benches to see General Jackson, and Mrs. Adams
very gracefully took his arm, and walked through the
apartments writh him, which gratified the general curi-
osity.

* * * Adieu, my dearest and best friend ; believe me,
as ever,

Your own affectionate

Phoebe Morris.*

Deer 2d 1824—

I have recd yours my dearest Payne of the 23d & 24th
Nov1" & was impatient to answer them yesterday (the
day of their reaching me) but owing to the winter estab-
lishment for the male, no post leaves this until tomorrow
morng — Mr Clay with 2 members of Congrefs left us
yesterday after pafsing 2 days — Mr C inquired affection-
ately after you as does all your old acquaintance whom I
see — but my dear son it seems to be the wonder of them
all that you shd stay so long from us — & now I am
ashamed to tell when asked how long my only child has
been absent from the home of his mother! — your Papa

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

217

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

& myself entreat you to come to us — to arrange your
businefs with those concern'd to return to them when
necessary & let us see you here as soon as pofsible with
your interest — convenience. Your Papa thinks as I do
that it would be best for your reputation & happinefs as
well as ours that you shd have the appearance of consult-
ing your parents on subjects of deep acct. to you & that
you shd find it so in returning to Phila when you ap-
pointed, to chose to do so I have said in my late letters
as well as this all that / thought sufficient to influence you
— I must now put my trust in God alone! If the young
lady you have followed so long, has not yet been won, I
fear she declines the chance Son to favor your happinefs
here after tho others might found who would. I enclose
you 30$ instead of 20 which you mentioned, & tho I am
sure — 'tis insufficient for the journey, I am unable to add
to the sum today — I recently pd Holoway $200 on your
note, with interest for two years — The other small debts
in the quarter's settled long ago with funds of yours in
my hands. I hope you will write me the moment you
get this that I may know certainly your determinations
& make up my own. I can add no news that is likely to
interest you except that poor Judge Todd is likely to die
& that Ellen Randolph is to be married to Mr. Cooledge

" ocurrence" you allude to, I hope is propicious

(if it were for your good we might rejoice in your im-
mediate union provided it brought you speedily to our
arms who love with inexprefsible tendernefs and con-
stancy,

— Your own Mother*

Mr. Webster to Mr. Mason:

Washington, December 29, 1824.

* * * I have been home from Virginia a week.

* * * We were two days at Mr. Madison's. He was
very agreeable, and treated us with much hospitality.

*Onr Early Presidents, Their Wives and Children. Harriet
Taylor Upton.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

* * * Mrs. Madison is in perfect health, and re-
members all her Washington acquaintance.

Maj. Thomas L. McKenney, April 7, 1825, writes to
Mrs. Madison that he occasionally sees her son, Mr.
Todd, and that he is well.

MONTPELLIER

How fair beneath Virginian skies

Montpellier strikes the travellers' eyes,

Emerging from its forest bower

Like feudal chieftain's lonely tower, —

With parks, and lawns, and gardens drest

In peaceful verdure proudly blest: —

— What blended charms arrest the sight !

The distant mountains misty height —

The circling prospects' cultur'd bound,

The echoing temple's attic round, —

The locust copse, where warblers throng

And pour to heaven the festive song,

The flowers in bright profusion seen,

The luscious fig's luxuriant green, —

The clasping vines, whose clusters fair

Seem as of genial France the care, —

The bright-eyed pheasant, — beauteous guest, —

The eastern bird, with gorgeous vest, —

The snowy jefsamine that towers

Soft curtain of the nightly bowers, —

While China's pride, to favoring rays

Its purple pensile spikes displays; —

The halls, whose varied stores impart

The clafsic pencil's magic art, —

The chisel's life-bestowing power, —

The lore that cheats the studious hour, —

And music's strains, which vainly vie

With the glad spirit's melody. —

Ah ! here that soul benignant reigns,

Which tunes to joy these blest domains, —

219

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Which not in splendid deeds alone

Of hospitality is shewn, —

But o'er the lone, domestic scene

Still beams inspiring and serene,

And deigns to cheer with smile of grace

The happy menial's ebon face. —

— Here Wisdom rests in sylvan shade

Which once an empire's counsels sway'd,

And Goodness, — whose persuasive art

So justly won that empire's heart, —

And Piety, — with hoary hair,

Which rising from this Eden fair

Beholds, by mortal step untrod,

A brighter Eden with its God. —

— Montpellier ! there, thy name have set

A gem in Memory's coronet,

Whose lustre ruthlefs time shall spare

Till from her brow that crown he tear, —

Till from her page that trace he rend

Which of a stranger made a friend. —

L. H. Sigourney.
Norwich, Connecticut
August 26th 1825.

John Henri Isaac Browere made life masks of the
Madisons.

Mr. Madison made a certificate:

Per request of Mr. Browere, busts of myself and of
my wife, regarded as exact likenesses, have been executed
by him in plaister, being casts made from the moulds
formed on our persons, of which this certificate is given
under my hand at Montpelier, 19, October, 1825.

James Madison.

Charles Henry Hart in pictures reproduced the plaster
counterparts and made this comment:

The bust of Madison is very fine in character and
expression, but that of Mrs. Madison is of particular

220

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

interest, as being the only woman's face handed down to
us by Browere. Her beauty has been heralded by more
than one voice and one pen, but not one of the many
portraits that we have of her, from that painted by Gil-
bert Stuart, aged about thirty, to the one drawn by
Eastman Johnson, shortly before her death, sustains the
verbal verdict of her admirers; and now the life mask
by Browere would seem to settle the question of her
beauty in the negative.

And the Broweres preserved, by permission, the name,
Dolly Madison. The Miss was born July 3, 1826.

Madison to Lafayette, August 21, 1824:

I this instant learn, my dear friend, that you have
safely reached the shores where you will be hailed by
every voice of a free people. That of no one, as you
will believe, springs more from the heart than mine.
May I not hope that the course of your movements will
give me an opportunity of proving it, by the warmth of
my embrace on my own threshold. Make me happy by
a line to that effect when you can snatch a moment for a
single one from the eager gratulations pouring in upon
you.*

General Lafayette from Richmond, Virginia, arrived
at Monticello, Thursday, November 4th. At the re-
poseful seat of his illustrious friend he was a week.
Then, as arranged, he passed on to Montpellier, where
he received the limit of sincere hospitality. At home he
was at Montpellier and with Mrs. Madison he visited
the cabins of the negroes. Granny Milly, one hundred
and four years of age, lived with her daughters and
granddaughters, the youngest seventy years of age, all
retired from the labors of the plantation. These the

* Writings of James Madison. Gaillard Hunt.

221

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Marquis visited and they got friendly and he would re-
turn with the token of friendship, a fresh egg or a bright
flower. He was forced to go by his engagements and
he was at Washington, the 23d of that month. The
pleasure the noble Frenchman received, he repaid in the
same currency and he left with the hosts, memories of
him too pleasant to be forgotten.*

The foreign accent that disclosed the distinguished
foreigner to be French was not at all unfamiliar at
Montpellier. The Madisons had a French gardener,
M. Beazee, and he had Madame Beazee. The Madame
protected her complexion with a mighty shade which
Mrs. Madison styled the "Beazee bonnet." The Beazees,
like the French everywhere, never forgot the superior
beauty of the language of France with all its other in-
comparable beauties; and with native-land pride and
with goodness and generosity taught the more enlight-
ened slaves on the plantation la langue Franqais and
they to a Parisian had a jargon as queer as the dialect
of a Tartarin and his neighbors in the south of his
country, f

To Mrs. Andrew Stevenson

Montpellier, 1826.

I have received by post just now, my ever dear cousin,
your welcome letter, and cannot express my anxiety to
embrace you once more; but a spell rests upon me, and
withholds me from those I love most in this world; not

*Memoirs of the Marquis De La Fayette, Major-Genera! in the
Revolutionary Army of the United States of America together with
his Tour through the United States. Frederick Butler.
Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

t Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

a mile can I go from home; and in no way can I account
for it, but that my husband is fixed here, and hates to
have me leave him. This is the third winter in which he
has been engaged in the arrangement of papers, and the
business seems to accumulate as he proceeds, so that it
might outlast my patience, and yet I cannot press him to
forsake a duty so important, or find it in my heart to
leave him during its fulfillment. We very often speak
of you, and the many causes of our admiration for you,
concluding, by assuring one another, that if we could
leave home this winter, it should be only to visit you and
Mr. Stevenson.* * * *

Mrs. Madison at all times had with her a relative.
Of the second generation, her nieces were with her not
as visitors, but as daughters. Especially was her affec-
tion for her sister Anna's children. The correspondence
with Mary and Dolly was more extensive than with their
brothers or it is more accessible. At the date of the
next letter Dolly was fifteen years of age.

Mrs. Madison had fear, she could not repress, that her
nephew, Walter, would be lost at sea. The fear with
which she was assailed was to her a foretelling of fate.
There was a last voyage; he went to sea and he never
came back.

To Dolly Payne Madison Cutts:

Montpellier, July 30, 1826.

Your letter, my dearest niece, with the one before it,
came quite safely, for which I return many thanks and
kisses. I rejoice, too, dear Dolly, to see how well you
write and express yourself, and am as proud of all your
acquirements as if you were my own daughter. I trust
you will yet be with me this summer, when I shall see
your improvement in person also, and enjoy the sweet

♦Portrait of Mrs. Stevenson by G. P. A. Healy reproduced in
Social Life in the Early Republic.

223

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

assurance of your affection. Mary Lee and her husband
have been indisposed, but are better. They say often
they hope you will come with your dear mother, as do all
your relatives and friends in this quarter. The old lady,
— even the negroes, young and old, want to see you, dear.

We had old Mr. Patterson and his son Edward from
Baltimore to stay with us several days, and they tell me
that Madame Bonaparte is still in France, and her son
gone to Rome to visit his father. Mr. Monroe left us
yesterday, disappointed in his views of raising money
from his land. Mr. B. continued on his way to the
Springs, and I was disappointed at not sending a packet
to you, inclosing the flounce which I wanted you to wear,
worked by me long ago.

I received by the last post a letter from your cousin
Payne, at New York ; he writes in fine health and spirits,
and says he will be detained only a few weeks longer in
that city. I sincerely hope to see him soon, though it is
impossible for me to prefer Virginia to the North. If I
were in Washington with you I know I could not con-
form to the formal rules of visiting they now have, but
would disgrace myself by rushing about among my
friends at all hours. Here I find it most agreeable to
stay at home, everything around me is so beautiful. Our
garden promises grapes and figs in abundance, but I shall
not enjoy them unless your mamma comes, and brings
you to help us with them; tell the boys they must come
too. Alas! poor Walter, away at sea! I can scarcely
trust myself to think of him, — his image fills my eyes
with tears.

Adieu, and believe me always your tender mother and
aunt,

Dolly P. Madison.

P.S. We are very old-fashioned here. Can you send
me a paper pattern of the present sleeve, and describe the
width of dress and waist; also how turbans are pinned up,
bonnets worn, as well as how to behave in the fashion?*

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
224

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

W. Thornton's respectful compliments to Captain Basil
Hall & would immediately have waited on him to pay his
respects to wish him the compts of the season & to con-
gratulate him on his safe arrival at the metropolis of the
U. States where he will meet with most cordial &
universal welcome but W. T. is at present confined by
sicknefs. — He invites Cap* Hall to hear the Oration this
day at two o'clock at the Capitol, by Mr. Southard Secy
of the Navy Dept a Member of the Columbian Institute;
and he also requests the honor of the company of Cap-
tain Hall to dine with the Institute this Day at half past
4 o'clock at Gadsby's Hotel. — W. Thornton had the honor
of being acquainted with the late Lord Selkirk, & Mr.
Halket. — He was also a student in the same class with
Sir James Hall when at Edinburgh. —

City of Washn 3 1st Deer 1827—

Captain Basil Hall's Travels in North America, in the
years 182/ and 1,828 appeared in print 1829. It is not
always pleasant to see ourselves as others see us. Cap-
tain Hall saw what was American through the usual
English vision. His courteous treatment at Washing-
ton could not swerve his candid description of it :

We went from Baltimore to Washington, on the 29th
of December, 1827. There was still daylight enough,
when we arrived, to show this singular capital, which is
so much scattered that scarcely any of the ordinary ap-
pearances of a city strike the eye. Here and there ranges
of buildings are starting up, but by far the greater num-
ber of the houses are detached from one another. The
streets, where streets are, have been made so unusually
wide, that the connexion is quite loose; and the whole
affair, to use the quaint simile of a friend at Washington,
looks as if some giant had scattered a box of his child's
toys at random on the ground.

That Madame Bonaparte did not have a spark of pa-
triotic pride and that she could be piqued at a slur upon

225

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

her own people at home is apparent from the retort to
the superior and supercilious Lord Dundas at a dinner in
London. To her affirmative answer to — had she read
Captain Basil Hall's work on America? — the lord sup-
plemented the inquiry "And did you observe that he called
all Americans vulgarians?" And after a pause to arrest
attention came: "Yes, and I was not surprised. Were
the Americans descendants of the Indians and Esquimaux
I should have been; but being the direct descendants of
the English, nothing is more natural than that they should
be vulgarians."

In the dress of fiction, Mrs. Smith has displayed fact —
Mrs. Madison's tact in the line of friendliness — in her
admirable novel, What is Gentility* The daughter seeks
gentility through society recognition, ignoring the graces
of mind and manner — and this is an episode in the
seeking :

Alas it was too true ! — The booby of a servant had
not shown her where to go, but stood, holding the street
door open, and gazing in admiration on the President's
lady, who, perceiving an open door before her, had
entered. Poor Mrs. McCarty! Had she seen a ghost
enter, she could not have .been more frightened. She
jumped up, and trying to escape unseen, stumbled over
the rocker of her eternal rocking chair, as Catharine
called it. Down she fell, prostrate before the President's
lady — away flew the pipe, scattering its sparks and ashes.
— And how long good Mrs. McCarty might have lain
there, it would be hard to say, since, to rise, without help,

*The writer is indebted to Mrs. Kate Kearney Henry for the use
of the book.

In the copy of Forty Years of Washington Society belonging to
the Public Library (District of Columbia) is pencilled this footnote:
"She drove around Washington in an old carriage of disreputable
appearance and one day a wag tacked on it a card bearing the
legend : 'This is gentility.' "

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

was more than she could do. But long she did not lay —
for Mrs. M-d-n, with a politeness flowing from the
warmth and benevolence of her nature, stooped, and
most kindly assisted Mrs. McCarty to rise and reseat
herself — she even picked up the pipe, but instead of offer-
ing it to the distressed old lady, whose embarrassment
she perceived, she laid it without observation on the
table, and then in a tone of voice full of benignity, in-
quired whether she was hurt, and whether she should
ring for any assistance? At the sound of so sweet a
voice, Mrs. McCarty ventured to look in the face of the
speaker, where she was almost afraid she should see the
smile of derision. Far from it — the smile was as sweet
as the voice; and there was something so good, so en-
couraging in the manner that after two or three hard
drawn breaths, Mrs. McCarty was able to reply :

"I hope you will excuse me Ma'am," said she, "I am
growing old and clumsy."

"We must all grow old," replied Mrs. M-d-n; "and I
think it quite becoming to grow fat as we grow old."

"Now do you ralely Ma'am? Well, if I don't tell our
Kitty that, for she is always saying how vulgar it is to
be short and fat."

"Mrs. Washington, in her old age, was about your
size, I believe, that is, if I remember aright;" said the
benevolent Mrs. M-d-n.

"Now is that possible! Well I'll be sure to tell my
dater that too. What! Jineral Washington's lady, I
suppose you mean, Ma'am?"

"Yes, our good and great Washington."

"Well now, that's comfortable tidings. When I tell
our Kitty, she can't after that say it is vulgar to be fat
and short. And can you tell me, Ma'am, whether our
dear old President's lady ever smoked? For that is
another thing my dater is always twitting me about."

"I never heard that she did," replied Mrs. M-d-n,
scarcely able to suppress a smile ; "but it is a very common
custom, I am told, among the old ladies in Virginia, and
the other tobacco states ; and indeed, I have heard lately.

227

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

that among the young ladies in Baltimore, it is quite the
fashion to smoke cigars."

"Well now, you can't think, Ma'am, what heart's con-
tent you have given me — I'll be sure, Ma'am, to tell our
Kitty all you have said."

Here a pause ensued, which Mrs. M-d-n however
filled up by taking her snuff box from her reticule, and
offering it to Mrs. McCarty, who, though she never took
snuff, could not refuse such an honor, and failed not to
admire the elegant gold box, which she said was raal
raal genteel.

Mrs. Smith's picture pleased the former French min-
ister's wife:

Paris, January 26, 1829.

* * * But, my friend, I wished to speak* to you of
the pleasure I derived from your pretty story about
"What is real gentility." It is charming. It is a very
faithful depiction of the character of Mr. and Mrs. Mad-
ison. It seemed to me that I saw her. The visit of Mrs.
Madison to the good mother who falls and breaks her
pipe, is a picture made from nature. * * *

A. Emilie Pichon.*

Louis Andre Pichon was the French representative;
1801 — '5. M. and Mme. Pichon were a delightful
couple ; happy themselves, they made their happiness con-
tagious. Amusing anecdotes of them are sprinkled
through the early pages. f

Doctor Thornton died March 28, 1828.

The acceptance of his design for the Capitol caused
him to locate in the capital city. The Doctor's attain-
ments were remarkable in their scope. His career in

* Forty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

t"I do not think you could have selected a minister more beloved
by our country, nor more attached to his own." Dr. Thornton to C.
F. Volney, July 23. 1804.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

diversity is no less remarkable. Mrs. Thornton in her
notes for his biography has: "philosophy, politics, Fi-
nance, astronomy, medicine, Botany, Poetry, painting,
religion, agriculture, in short, all subjects by turns occu-
pied his active mind."

Tudor Place is an example of his architecture and
others are elsewhere mentioned in this work.

The Doctor was an artist with the pencil and the brush.
He limned the features of Washington, of Jefferson, and
of his friend, the Countess Beauharnais, — a friendship of
his Parisian life — and likewise did he of Mrs. Thornton
and himself ; and his art included flowers and the beautiful
inanimate.

He was a poet. Perhaps his poetry might not have
alone rewarded him with celebrity but the brilliant John
Randolph of Roanoke matched with the doctor's rhyme,
two pages of his prose.

His rhyming repartee was sometimes pleasing — for
General Washington in a game of billiards stopped his
play to laugh at a poetic shot. The Doctor asked the
General how far a cannon* would carry, for on the
heights of Dover is a very long cannon called Queen
Anne's Pocket Pistol, inscribed

Charge me well and keep me clean,
I'll carry o'er to Calais Green.

As it is twenty one miles over, the General laughingly
observed, "Upon my word Doctor that would be a very
long shot."f

His poetic propensity had too often outburst to prevent
preservations. His man had with him this message in
measure :

*A term in billiards when the ball played upon glances off and
strikes another. Letter of Thomas Law, September, 1823.
Vbid.

229

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

April 12, 1811.
To the good People.
Pray let the Bearer, Peter, pass,
He rides a Horse, & leads an afs —
This is the Vicar fam'd of Bray
He goes, at Mr Brent's to stay —
Peter returns, without delay

To Peter.
If any one you chance to meet
Stay not to talk, but pafs & greet,
And neither give nor take a treat.

The Doctor was English and of the Society of Friends
but his Lancashire lineage did not lessen the ardor for
his adopted country and in the clash between it and
Great Britain he promptly put on his sword and mounted
his charger for he was a cavalry officer — first a lieu-
tenant and then, a captain.

Mrs. Smith's second visit to Montpellier is described :

Monday, 17th August (1828.)

Mr. M. met us in the Portico and gave us a cordial
welcome. In the Hall Mrs. Madison received me with
open arms and that overflowing kindness and affection
which seems a part of her nature. We were at first con-
ducted into the Drawing room, which opens on the back
Portico and thus commands a view through the whole
house, which is surrounded with an extensive lawn, as
green as in spring, the lawn is enclosed with fine trees,
chiefly forest, but interspersed with weeping willows and
other ornamental trees, all of most luxuriant growth and
vivid verdure. It was a beautiful scene. The drawing-
room walls are covered with pictures, some very fine,
from the ancient masters, but most of them portraits of
our most distinguished men, six or eight by Stewart.
The mantelpiece, tables in each corner and in fact
wherever one could be fixed, were filled with busts, and

230

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

groups of figures in plaster, so that this apartment had
more the appearance of a museum of the arts than of a
drawing room. It was a charming room, giving activity
to the mind, by the historic and classic ideas that it
awakened.

* * * She drew Anna* on the sofa beside her and
gave her half a dozen pretty books to look over, while
drawing a french arm chair, or fauteuil (what charming-
things they are!) close by her, I reclined at my ease,
while we talked, — and oh how we did talk. We went
over the last 20 years and talked of scenes long past and
of persons far away or dead. These reminisenses were
delightful. She certainly has always been, and still is
one of the happiest of human beings. Like myself, she
seems to have no place about her which could afford a
lodgement for care or trouble. Time seems to favour
her as much as fortune. She looks young and she says
she feels so. I can believe her, nor do I think she will
ever look or feel like an old woman. They are seldom
alone, but have a succession of visitors, among whom
are a great many foreigners. Few visit our country
without visiting Monticello and Montpelier. She gave
me an entertaining account of the visit of the three
members of parliament, who passed several days with
them. I could scarcely credit my senses, when dinner
was announced and I found it to be four o'clock! So
rapidly had the morning passed away. We did not rise
from table until six o'clock. Mr. Madison was chief
speaker, and his conversation was a stream of history,
and continued so until ten o'clock, when we separated
for the night, so rich in sentiments and facts, so enlivened
by anecdotes and epigramatic remarks, so frank and
confidential as to opinions on men and measures, that it
had an' interest and charm, which the conversation of
few men now living, could have. He spoke of scenes
in which he himself had acted a conspicuous part and of
great men, who had been actors in the same theatre. No
common-places. Every sentence he spoke, was worthy

*Mrs. Smith's daughter.

231

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of being written down. The formation and adoption of
the Constitution. The Convention and first congress,
the characters of their members and the secret debates.
Franklin, Washington, Hamilton, John Adams, Jefferson,
Jay, Patrick Henry, and a host of other great men were
spoken of and characteristic anecdotes of all related. It
was living History! When I retired for the night, I
felt as if my mind was full to over- flowing, as if it could
not contain all the ideas it had received, as if it had
feasted to satiety. And this entertaining, interesting
and communicative personage, had a single stranger or
indifferent person been present, would have been mute,
cold and repulsive. After dinner, we all walked in the
Portico, (or piazza, which is 60 feet long, supported on
six lofty pillars) until twilight, then retreated to the
drawing room, where we sat in a little group close to-
gether and took our coffee while we talked. Some of
Mr. M.'s anecdotes were very droll, and we often laughed
very heartily. * * * He retains all the sportiveness
of his character, which he used to reveal now and then
to those whom he knew intimately, and Mrs. M. says he
is as fond of a frolic and of romping with the girls as
ever. His little blue eyes sparkled like stars from under
his bushy grey eye-brows and amidst the deep wrinkles
of his poor thin face. Nor have they lost their look of
mischief, that used to lurk in their corners, and which
vanished and gave place to an expression ever solemn,
when the conversation took a serious turn.

In the course of the evening, at my request Mrs. M.
took me to see old Mrs. Madison. She lacks but 3
years of being a hundred years old. When I enquired
of her how she was, "I have been a blest woman," she
replied, "blest all my life, and blest in this my old age.
I have no sickness, no pain; excepting my hearing, my
senses are but little impaired. I pass my time in reading
and knitting." Something being said of the infirmities
of old age. "You," said she, looking at Mrs. M., "you
are my mother now, and take care of me in my old age."
I felt much affected by the sight of this venerable

232

D
-J

u.
O

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

woman. Her face is not much wrinkled as her son's
who is only 77 years old.*

Said Mrs. Madison to Anna, while on the portico:
"Come, let us run a race. I do not believe you can
out run me. Madison and I often run races here, when
the weather does not allow us to walk." And adds Mrs.
Smith — "She really did run very briskly, — it was more
than I could do, had I attempted it."f * * *

Captain Tingey was the first commandant at the
Washington Navy Yard; he was commandant until his
death. The Captain's mental strength never weakened;
— to the Secretary of the Navy, February 2, 1829,. he
writes :

But justice to myself in my present infirm state, and
approximately the close of my seventy-eighth year, I am
incapable of the lively energy of a youthful seaman and
require some relaxation, at least from the multiplicity
of cares these double duties require. I am therefore
constrained to solicit your further endeavors to have me
released from the duties of the agency altogether.

And, in the same month on the twenty third day, at
the tenth hour in the forenoon he was released from all
the duties, he heretofore had so honorably performed.
And on the next day, Wednesday, at twelve, meridian,
with soldier's rites, he was laid at rest. And the Navy
Department directed a requiem of thirteen minute guns,
that the flag fly at half mast and that the officers wear
crape, t

*Mrs. Eleanor Conway Madison, the mother, died in 1829 at the
age of 98 years.

fForty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.
XHistory of the Washington Navy Yard. H. B. Hibben.

233

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

To her nephew, Richard D. Cutts :

I admired the presents you sent me very much, and
thank you more for the kindness that induced you to
send them. When I was in Richmond I bought you a
handsome knife, but not having an opportunity to send
it I think best to inclose you a dollar to buy you one in
Washington for my sake — please do so and be assured
that I never can forget your affection, but that I recip-
rocate it with all my heart — I am laying up some things
for you which I know will please you when we meet.
Your cousins are all intending to write you. Dolly wrote
you by the last post, and I helped her out with bad poetry
— still it would show you our great regard. I think
you'll lose your heart with one of your fair cousins when
you have them all before you to choose from — your
mamma's namesake is a sweet one and very sensible.

From Charles Roberts Collection in the Haverford

College, Haverford, Pa.

I am very grateful for your charming letter my dear
friend, and for those good wishes which we received
with the warm affection, which Mr. Madison and myself
have ever felt for you.

The handsome Oration spoken by your son has been
read by us both with admiration of its composition, and
feelings flattered by his partiality for the subject of it.

I must keep it for his sake, whom we hope to see, one
day, in the brilliant career of his Father. Your kind
promise of visiting us, this year will not be forgotten.
The fulfilment of it would be a high gratification to us.

I rejoice to hear from you, that our dear Mrs. Mason
is so nearly well — please to present me to Mrs. Murray
and to her, as one who can never forget them. With
my best regards for Mr. Rush and kisses for your sweet
little ones, most truly yours

D. P Madison
Montpellier July 1829—
To

Mrs. Rush
234

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Richmond August 10th 1829.
Mr and M" Madison

My Dear Sir and Madam

Permit me to assure you, I was very much gratified,
that your District had honored the state so far, as to
place you, Sir, in the Convention for altering, or amend-
ing the Constitution. It is at the same time with sincere
sorrow and concern I have learnt ; that the state of your
health has, since that time, been impaired by indisposition ;
but I earnestly hope; that it is already completely re-
stored, or will be at least so far improved, as to enable
you to take your seat in the Convention, and to afford
that important service to the state, which it justly an-
ticipates from your weight of character, superior intelli-
gence, and long experience in public affairs. — I beg leave
also, Sir, and Madam, to assure you that I still recollect,
with affectionate sensibilities your kind attentions during
a long personal acquaintance, and that it would now
afford me great pleasure, if yourselves and inmates
would consent to become members of my family, and
to accept a chamber in the government house during the
session of the approaching Convention. That position
would afford you some accommodations, which it might
be difficult to obtain in any house of public entertain-
ment in the City. It is retired, near the Capitol, and
woud afford you opportunities of receiving visits from
your numerous friends, with more ease and convenience
to yourselves, than perhaps elsewhere. Permit me to
press your acceptance of this invitation, and to assure
you in so doing, you would afford the sincerest pleasure
to myself, as well as to every member of my family.

Be pleased, Sir, and Madam, to accept my respectful
and friendly regards.

Wm B. Giles
The Honorable

James Madison & Lady
Montpelier.

At the Constitutional Convention, October 5, 1829,

Mr. Madison nominated Mr. Monroe for the -presiding

235

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

officer. He and Mr. Marshall, the Chief Justice, es-
corted Mr. Monroe to the chair. Mr. Madison made a
statesmanlike address. It was a convention of great
minds. Its proceedings were fully reported. Mr. and
Mrs. Madison were the guests of her Cousin, Sallie
Stevenson.

Anne Royall, authoress and editress, was a spectator.
She makes this "pen-portrait."*

Mr. Madison is a small, aged man, with a remark-
able small head and face, and keen vigorous countenance.
He was dressed in a plain Quaker coloured coat, and his
hair was powdered; he was leaning forward, and
seemed to listen to the debates with deep attention.

Sarah Harvey Porter in The Life and Times of Anne
Royall:

American biography is well peppered with descrip-
tions of charming Dolly Madison, but not one among
them all shows her in a pleasanter light than does the
following where she is seen wiping the dust from the
feet of a tired old woman who had trudged far to see
her.

Anne Royall — in Southern Tours:

Early one morning I called for a hack to wait on
Mrs. Madison, as she lived some distance from my
residence. The ruffian who keeps the hacks at the
Union, said he must have $1 for hitching, and $2 an
hour — I took it afoot ! Mr. and Mrs. Madison boarded
at Hon. A. Stevenson's, a mile and a quarter; but I
walked three miles before I found it. The ignorance
of the people is such, that they can only tell where the
Church, the Prison, and the Court-room is; after walk-
ing my very soul out, I found the house, and was quite
mortified, that Mrs. Madison was not at home. "Where

*Mrs. Royall's Southern Tour.
236

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

is Mr. Stevenson?" "Mr. Stevenson is very ill, and his
family cannot leave him!" "Where is Mrs. Madison's
servant?" The servant was out — I spoke this with
spirit, and desired them to say "Mrs. R. was in the
house." Mrs. Madison heard it and sent word she
would be down in a minute. I listened for her step, and
never was I more astonished. I expected to have seen
a little old dried up woman; instead of this, a tall,
young, active, elegant woman stood before me. "This
Mrs. Madison — impossible;" she was the self-same lady
of whom I had heard more anecdotes than any family
in Europe or America. No wonder she was the idol
at Washington — at once in possession of every thing
that could enoble woman. But chiefly she captivates
by her artless though warm affability — affectation and
her, are farther asunder than the poles; and her fine
full eye and countenance, displays a majestic brilliancy
found in no other face. She is a stout, tall, straight
woman, muscular but not fat, and as active on her feet
as a girl. Her face is large, full and oval, rather dark
than fair, her eye is dark, large and expressive ; her face
is not handsome nor does it appear ever to have been so.
It is diffused with a slight tinge of red, and rather wide
in the middle — but her power to please, the irresistable
grace of her every movement sheds such a charm over
all she says and does, that it is impossible not to admire
her. She was dressed in a plain black silk dress, and
wore a silk checked turban on her head, and black glossy
curls. But to witness how active she would run out —
bring a glass of water, wipe the mud off of my shoes
and tie them — seeing I was fatigued she pressed me with
much earnestness to await dinner — I was greatly dis-
appointed in her size and height, but much more in her
youthful appearance. She appears young enough for
Mr. Madison's daughter; there is more indulgence in
her eye than any mortal's."

Mrs. Madison again alludes to the apprehension about
her nephew, Walter. She discloses her interest in what

237

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

is passing in the world; her preference for the place
where she reigned at the head and in the hearts; her
tastes in literature; and, her match-making proclivity —
the regret she expresses at the failure of young Van
Buren's ouverture.

To her niece, Dolly Cutts:

Montpellier, March 10, 1830.

I am now seated, pen in hand, my sweet niece, to
write you, though not in the humor for the success I
desire in producing an amusing letter such as mine
should be in answer to yours.

Imagine, if you can, a greater trial to the patience
of us farmers than the destruction of a radiant patch of
green peas by frost ! It came last night on the skirts of
a storm; and while I was lamenting that our dear mid-
shipman, Walter, should ever be exposed to such winds,
my young adventurers at home were completely wrecked
off their moorings ! But away with complaints, other
patches equally radiant will arise, and I will mourn no
longer over a mess of peas or pottage, but would rather
meet you somewhere, or hear about your last party. I
had, indeed, my "quantum sufficit" of gayety in Rich-
mond, but what I enjoyed most was the quiet but
thorough hospitality of the inhabitants among whom I
should like to spend my winters. Washington, if my
old friends were still there, would no doubt be my pref-
erence; but I confess I do not admire contention in any
form, either political or civil. In my quiet retreat I like
to hear of what is going on, and therefore hope, my
dear, you will not be timid in telling me, though your
statements shall be seen by no one else. I wish that
circumstances would have permitted you to have ac-
cepted Mr. V. B.'s invitation, but I cannot doubt you
had a good reason for declining. By the bye, do you
ever get hold of a clever novel, new or old, that you

236

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

could send me ? I bought Cooper's last, but did not care
for it, because the story was so full of horrors.

Adieu, my dearest Dolly, think of me as your own
friend as well as aunt, and write as often as you can to

Yours affectionately,

Dolly P. Madison.*

It is delicately, most delicately put, by Mr. Anthony
Morris. Robert Morris, the Financier of the American
Revolution, and others of his standard, were confined
at the Debtors' Prison in Prune street, Philadelphia,
until their friends paid their debts or let them die.
John Payne Todd now from experience knew what he
might have known from reading for he may have taken
from Mrs. Smith's book rack her copy of Dr. Dodd's
Thoughts in Prison and read:

Harsh on its sullen hinge

Grates the dread door; the massy bolts respond

Tremendous to the surly Keeper's touch.

The dire keys clang: with movement dull and slow

While their behest the ponderous locks perform:

And, fastened firm, the object of their care

Is left to Solitude, — to Sorrow left!

Dear Madam

I have to mention to you a most painful subject from
a sense of duty to my most valued friend your excellent
sister, to whom, or to Mr Madison, I cannot write di-
rectly, without an intimation from you, who know many
circumstances with which I am unacquainted. You will
anticipate that my reference is to Mr Payne Todd, whose
long confinement in Philada you are no doubt apprizd
of; He is now I am credibly informed, most anxious
to return to Montpelier ; to enable him to do this, $200

*Mcmoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

239

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

in cash, and an af sumption of $400 pyble at any con-
venient future day are said to be requird.

* * *

Anthony Morris.
May 19th 1830

To Mrs. Cutts

The germ of love is change. Love makes the eye
brighter, the heart faster, the step lighter and all about
more beautiful. The affected can see in the adored the
most beautiful of mortals and worthy to associate with
the gods. Mrs. Madison tells much better the change
that love makes.

To her niece, Dolly Cutts:

Montpellier, November, 1830.

Dearest Niece, — I have been so much engaged in the
book you kindly sent by the last post, that I have
scarcely left myself time to thank you for it by this.
I will, however, take an early opportunity to show my
gratitude by a longer letter.

If you can send me the "Romance of History" I will
be very glad, and will make the proper dispatch in the
perusal of it. Governor Barbour is here and will stay
some time. Phillippa does not expect to see Washing-
ton again for some time, and regrets it much. Her
father is now a judge and she a recluse. I find you
have no idea yet of the improvement love can make, or
you would not surmise that another must have had to
do with the courting for John. After he became ac-
quainted with S. Carter, his tongue twanged as if sent
from a bow! Last winter when I witnessed his atten-
tions to her, and heard him talk and laugh like Gany-
mede, I knew it was Cupid's act, by the color. She is
a sweet girl and I hope you will see her before long.
You and my dear Mary.

Ever your affectionate aunt,

Dolly P. Madison.*

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
240

CHAPTER VI

1831-1834

HE letter which follows bears the earliest date of
a letter to the niece Mary. Mary at that time
was sweet sixteen.

To her niece, Mary Estelle Elizabeth Cutts :

Montpellier, January 5, 1831.

Dearest Mary, — Yours, ending on the 2d of Janu-
ary, came to relieve my oppressed heart with the tidings
of your beloved mother's recovery from that extreme
illness, under which I knew or feared she. was laboring.

I had written a week ago this day to Dolly and one to
you, inclosed to your father, which could hardly have
reached you, or you would have yielded to my pleadings
for that single line by every post which would tell me
your mamma is better and has a prospect of regaining
her health. To secure this, my dearest girls, you must
help her in every way you can, keep her room quiet, and
herself free from the slightest agitation or uneasiness.
The nervousness of which Dr. Sim speaks must be
attended to with all your delicacy of thought and con-
duct; her sufferings have caused it, and now, no one
should approach her who is not sensible of the impor-
tance of smiles and comfort to one who has been so
near the grave. May Heaven sustain and support her
for many years to come to bless you with her protecting
love.

I enclose "The Oxonians," which I could not read,
while my heart was oppressed by fears for you all. We
are well and send love.

Your own aunt,

Dollv P. Madison.*

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

241

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

To her niece, Mary Cutts :

Montpellier, September 18, 1831.

My dearest Mary, — I hasten to answer your nice
letter in order to obtain your forgiveness about the mis-
laid letter; I fear Beckey may have used it to kindle the
fire she was so anxious about for her master, and as far
as I can discover collected everything in the way of
paper on my table this morning. It was so short I hope
you can recollect enough of it to write it again for your
amiable correspondent, to whom give my assurance of
love. I am so grieved that your mamma is not well,
but trust it proceeds from fatigue. Do persuade her to
go to see Mrs. B. and not to worry about household
cares. I hope the alarm of "insurrections" is over in
the city, though every one should be on guard after this.
I am quiet, hearing little about it, and quite helpless if
in danger. Tell Mr. Trist I send him a few leaves, if
not the whole flower, of his dear lady (Cape Jessamine),
who is now blooming, when all her contemporaries have
changed color and are passing away, emblematic of her
good disposition and heart, whose fragrance will last
until the end.

Your Uncle Madison still wears the bead ring you
placed on his finger, and I see him look at it every now
and then without saying anything.

My eyes are troubling me, still I write on a great
deal of nonsense. To-morrow I expect a large party
from Richmond and the lower country to stay with us.
I feel very grateful to all those ladies who are so kind
to your mother while she is ailing, and could love the
blackest Indian who was good to her; indeed, it seems
to me I would like to bribe the whole world to make
her well. Payne is on the wing again with three gentle-
men in his train.

Adieu, dearest niece. Ever yours,

Dolly P. Madison.*

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
242

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

To Mrs. Frances D. Lear :

I hasten to thank you beloved friend (as well as very
sore eyes will permit me) for your interesting letter, of
the 26th in which you tell me my dear sister is on the re-
covery— I pray that it may be the case, and that she
may be long spared to her family and to me! I have
as you suppose been miserable about her, and tho the
girls have been good in writing, and she also when able,
I have found all communications too slow for my con-
stant anxiety — My dear Husband is still confined to his
bed — In addition to a disabling Rheumatism throughout
the winter, he has had a bilious fever, which has re-
duced him so much that he can only walk from one
bed to another. I never leave him, more than a few
minutes at a time, and have not left the enclosure around
our house for the last eight months on account of his
continued indisposition, concerning which, friends at a
distance, have recd but too favorable reports. — Our
Physicians have advised the warm springs for Mr Mad-
ison, and we hoped to have him taken there, but as he
could not travel unlefs conveyed in his bed, we dare not
think of it for the present. — Now my precious friend I
would exprefs my deep regret that any obstacle should
exist to our enjoyment of your society this summer.
No persons should I be more delighted to see here, than
yourself, your son & daughter and I will still indulge
the hope, that my Husband will be well enough for this
gratification, & my sister sufficiently recovered to come
with you, before the Winter throws its barriers between
us. — I must ever love the kind friends of my sister,
yourself, Mrs Bomford, M™ Clay — have been as sisters
to her — and some others also, of whom she speaks with
great sensibility Doctr Sim* especially are enroll'd by me
on a grateful memory! We hear at a distance of the
alarming cholera, but as yet, no report of its existence
in our State. — Be pleased to present my affectionate

*Dr. Thomas Sim, when President of Medical Society died of
epidemic cholera, September 13, 1832.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

love to M™ Randolph & Mrs Trist, & tell them I shall
be proud of my new cousin Ellen —

Accept Mr Madisons best wishes — & my son's best
respects, with the long, & sincere attachment of your

D. P. Madison
Mrs Lear.

To her niece, Mary Cutts :

Montpellier, December, 1831.

My Own Dear Niece, — I have been the most discon-
solate of persons these three or four days, and all be-
cause of a violent toothache. The book you mention
I will keep unless you say no, while I read the second
volume, and send them both to you by Walter, who is
summoned to Philadelphia on the first Monday in Janu-
ary, and will stop in Washington to see you.

In my last I informed you that Walter and Payne
had been detained abroad by bad weather, but now they
are safe and sound with us, and we have played chess
and talked together all this time without the appearance
of ennui. Thank my dear Dolly for her kind letter;
and I rejoice in her recovery, which is due in a great
measure to the judicious nursing of a good mother.

I hope you will soon be going to parties, and give me
a detailed account of what is going forward amongst
the various characters in Washington.

I have so long been confined by the side of my dear
sick husband, never seeing or hearing outside of his
room, that I make a dull correspondent.

Your uncle is better now than he was three days ago,
and I trust will continue to mend, but his poor hands
are still sore, and so swollen as to be almost useless, and
so I lend him mine. The music-box is playing beside
me, and seems well adapted to solitude, as I look out at
our mountains, white with snow, and the winter's wind
sounding loud and cold. I hope you will take more
than usual care of yourself this weather, and wish I

244

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

could cover you with furs; but ah! if I dare indulge in
wishes —

Good night, my love. Your fond aunt,

Dolly Madison.*

Mrs. Madison to Edward Coles:

Montpelleir 4. March 1832

Your interesting letter dear cousin of Feby 22d claims
our best thanks and I hasten to give you in return the
assurance that my Husband continues to get better —
The tedious disease which has confined him so long, is
passing gradually away, and he now looks nearly as well
as usual — has a fine appetite and good spirits. We of
his household have also recovered from indisposition
and like the birds, are busy in sun shine, hope, and spring-
weather. Our peas are green and flourishing and all
our rural treasures are hailed with the freshness of
spirit which is brought to the enjoyment of gay assem-
blies— tho not like those which might be compared to
odour fled, as soon as shed, in morning's winged dream
but as our admiral Paulding says — "Like the witching
influence over the hearts of those who, tho they have
sat at the worlds great Banquet, still preserve or relish
far more wholesome aliment and plainer luxuries."

I am sorry your winter in New York has not been so
pleasant as you anticipated but Washington may, and
no doubt will indemnify you I hear of many fine girls
being there, and perhaps your kindred spirit hover's
near the Domicil of your sister. I shall write to cousin
Sally by this post, and hope that Mr. Stevenson and
herself will call on us, on their return to Richmond— -
you had better come with them and cheat Illinois, the
pigs and Prairies yet a little longer of their victim.

But, where ever you go dear cousin, believe me our
affectionate wishes for your happiness will follow you.

The narrative you gave us concerning "the little grey
man" I. R. — y is indeed curious and I think Mr. G — s

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

245

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

lazy fit, is likely to withhold the case too long, from the
world's knowledge

To her sister, Mrs. Anna Cutts :

Montpellier, August 2, 1832.

Beloved Sister Anna, — Mrs. Mason has just written
me to say you are a little better, and those dear
daughters of yours, Mary and Dolly, whom I shall ever
feel are my own children, have often consoled me by
their letters since you were unable to write. Your hus-
band and boys too have written frequently, — all in that
affectionate feeling towards you which manifested their
deep love ; and although I cannot see or assist you ' in
your long and painful sickness, yet am I very thankful
to the Almighty for his favors in bestowing such de-
voted friends as have surrounded your pillow.

My dear husband is recovering, I hope, slowly, though
still confined to his bed. He speaks of you to me every
day with all the partiality and love of a tender brother,
and ardently hopes that we may be long spared to each
other.

Mrs. Clay and her husband did not call to see me as
we expected. They understood that General Jackson
was at Montpelier and passed on to Governor Barbour's.
The next day Mr. Clay came for a few hours, but did
not meet the President here. I regretted much not see-
ing Mrs. Clay, as she would have talked to me of you.

Do, dear sister, strive to get well and strong for my
sake and your children's; what should we do without
you! As soon as my eyes are well I will write to dear
Mrs. B.* In the meantime offer her my love and thanks
for all her goodness to you.

Adieu, my dear, ever and always,
Your loving sister,
Dolly P. Madison.f

♦Portrait of Clara Baldwin Bomford, wife of Col. George
Bom ford, reproduced in The Story of Kalorama. — Corra Bacon-
Foster.

t Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

246

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Nature is infinite that it allows not comparison in
bereavement. No parent says I would preferably spare
this daughter or that son. No child says I would lose
rather the father or the mother. No brother and no
sister breathes if it must be one, let that sister or that
brother precede. Nature has made the very thought
horrible. Anna Payne as maiden and Anna Payne
Cutts as matron had been to Dolly Payne, Dolly Payne
Todd and Dolly Payne Madison, daughter, sister and
companion. Other bereavements to Mrs. Madison might
to the limit be severe yet none more severe.

The illness of the sister had been protracted. In that
there was warning of an earthly separation and in pro-
traction, too, there was hope. In the fluctuations the
rise to restoration proved no more that the futile grasp-
ing of hope.

That time and this time — at this writing an even
eighty years, in the cycles of centuries naught, — what
a difference in availability! In the year 1832, the time
in travel, between Washington and Montpellier was
several days. Now by rail, the time is reckoned in hours ;
by telegraph and by telephone, in seconds. With present
facility, the surviving sister might a ministering angel
have been; she might have smoothed the pillow and
caressed the brow ; she might have had the last glance at
going and the first of peace, the emancipation from earthly
disturbances. With present facility, the bereaved sister
would not have written :

Where are her remains? I will myself write my
gratitude to the kind friends who were privileged to do
what I could not for my lamented sister.

All the detail the writer gathers is that from Mrs.
Thornton's diary:

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Anna Cutts, Mrs. Madison's beloved sister died
the morning of August 4. 1832. The disorder was
dropsy of the heart.

And the advertised funeral notice in the Daily Na-
tional Intelligencer, Tuesday, December 7, 1832:

In this City, on the morning of the 4th Inst. Anna,
wife of Honorable Richard Cutts, late 2nd Comptroller
of the U, S. Treasury.

The gentle declining makes appropriate the Death-bed
lines of the gentle poet, Hood :

Our very hopes belied our fears,

Our fears our hopes belied;
We thought her dying while she slept.

And sleeping when she died.

Anna Payne was portrayed by Gilbert Stuart. This
portrait has, as a background, a caricature of Stuart,
himself, created and allowed to remain as a jest. The
portrait is reproduced in Social Life in the Early Re-
public.

Mrs. Cutts was born in Virginia, November 11, 1779.

Montpellier, August 5, 1832.

Dear Brother, — The heart of your miserable sister
mourns with you and for your dear children.

Come to us as soon as you can, and bring them all
with you; I am deeply interested in them as if they were
my own. Where are her remains? I will myself write
my gratitude to the kind friends who were privileged to
do what I could not for my lamented sister.

Mr. Madison partakes in our sorrows, and in my wish
to see you all here. Show this to Dolly and Mary,

248

ST. JOHNS CHURCH. WASHINGTON. D. C.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

please, as I cannot write to them at this moment. Yours
came yesterday.

Affectionately your sister,

Dolly P. Madison.*

Around the memory of Marcia Burnes is a halo. She
was the "pretty and pleasant little woman" of Washing-
ton Irving. She was the daughter of David Burnes,
esquire, or "Davy Burnes." He was of the original
proprietors. His tract, he inherited.! It lie on the
bank of the Potomac and extended far inland. The
Tyber Creek or Goose Creekt ran through it ; and on
the wide mouth of the creek, of name high flown or low,
was his cottage. He was according to the sketch
writers, Scotch and stubborn. If ever he had an an-
cestor

"Wha hae wi' Wallace bled"

by his time in the line trans fered to America, he lost
the Caledonian dialect for his ancestral emigrant was
his grandfather. He is set down as a specimen of stub-
bornness because President Washington wrote of him as
"obstinate Mr. Burns." Sometimes in dictionary Eng-

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

f'Beall's Levels," two hundred and twenty-five acres, was
granted to Colonel Vivian Beall in 1703. A portion of this tract,
with some vacant ground added, was the property of David Burnes
* * *. It was patented to him on a re-survey in 1774, as the
eldest son and heir at law of his father, James Burnes, for whom
it was re-surveyed in 1769, and who had died before obtaining the
patent. James Burnes, the father of David, occupied the land as a
tenant for two years before purchasing it from Henry Massey. —
Old Georgetown. Hugh T. Taggart.

Jin the early years was a wharf on the creek immediately south
of the present Municipal Building.

249

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

lish and sometimes in imitation Scotch, Mrs. Burnes is
quoted as saying to the President:

I suppose you think that people here are going to
take every grist that comes from you as pure grain ; but
what would you have been if you had not married the
rich Widow Custis?

The rude remark attributed to Mr. Burnes has been
attributed to others. It was a scurrility of the times.
The diary of President Washington positively proves that
the incident is without probability of fact. At six in the
evening at his lodging place, Suter's tavern, the President
addressed with the other landholders, Mr. Burnes* ; and
on the forenoon of the next day, they mutually agreed
and entered into articles. Mr. Burnes was the second
to sign. Now, Mr. Burnes, was accustomed to decide
upon argument — for was he not a magistrate — but of
that further on — and perhaps he did avail himself of the
chance to prove that he equally well could argue at as be
argued to. Perhaps, Mr. Burnes, did inherit a slight
strain of Scottish stubbornness but it was only a pleas-
antry of the President to the Secretary of State, from
Mt. Vernon, 3 1 March :

To these considerations all the principal landholders
* * * will readily come into the measure, even the
obstinate Mr. Burnes.

David Burnes recognized refinement; as he, himself,
was refined. He had reverence for what Sir William
Blackstone calls "a rule of civil conduct prescribed by the
supreme power in the state." He was himself a justice
of the peace and sat in judgment and dispensed even-

* March 29, 1791.
250

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

handed justice with preambles to his decision delivered
with solemnity and with awe-inspiring halts in his talk.
His son he destined for the law but in his twentieth year
he died and on his tablet was cut:

He was a youth amiable & intelligent
who promised fair to become
an honor to his friends, and
an ornament to his Country.

In Georgetown was Marcia's preliminary schooling.
In Baltimore, the finishing education; the while, living
in the family of the eccentric luminary of the law, Luther
Martin.* At the same time, John, her brother, was suc-
cessfully studying law in Mr. Martin's office. Marcia
was ten when her brother died, 1792; and seventeen
when her father died, 1799.

Marcia inherited the entire estate subject to her
mother's dower, f She had beauty and grace and the
additional magnet — money. In select society was Mis-
tress Burnes and Miss Burnes in the earliest days as
Mrs. Thornton's record of daily doings shows.

John Peter Van Ness came to Congress for the term,
1801 '3. He was a lawyer by preparation. He had
ancestry and attractiveness and won over the rivals, the
merry Marcia. The anniversary of her twentieth birth-
day was her wedding day, May 9, 1802.

Mr. and Mrs. Van Ness, at first, made their home on
Pennsylvania avenue on the site of the present 1109 and
1111. Mr. Van Ness, across the way, D and Twelfth
streets, built two substantial mansions. In the mansion
next to the corner did he establish himself and his youth-

*Portrait reproduced in Social Life in the Republic.
fMiss Burnes' guardian for legal purposes was William Mayne
Duncanson.

251

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ful wife.* From there to Miss Mary Fairlee, Wash-
ington Irving, July 7, 1807, wrote :

I am now scribbling in the parlor of Mr. Van Ness,
at whose house I am on a visit.

And it was there, January 1811, Irving found himself
"delightfully moored," "in clover" and "a lucky dog."

The citizens had complimented Mr. Van Ness by
electing him a Major of their militia and the President
formally commissioned him. And Congress upon in-
vestigation decided he had forfeited his seat as a Rep-
resentative by the acceptance of the trifling military
honor and accepted his resignation. The Major was
happily anchored in Washington and it did not matter.f

Mrs. Van Ness had at heart the Orphan Asylum.
Mrs. Smith writes : i

23, Novr. 1817.

* * * Few persons are admitted to the great house
and not a single lady has as yet seen Mrs. Monroe, Mrs.
Cutts excepted, and a committee from the Orphan Asy-
lum, on which occasion Mrs. Van Ness first called to
know when Mrs. M. would receive the committee.

The mansion in Mansion Square, 17th and 18th, B
and C streets, n.w. was designed by Latrobe and built
under his direction. The date of completion is variously
stated from 1816 to 1820. It is said to have been in
its prime the most elegant residence in the United States.

"-"December 1, 1804.

1202 D Street. He rented the corner house,
fjanuary 28, 1805, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel commandant:
of the First Legion of the Militia, D. C, from Major.
XForty Years of Washington Society.

252

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

It was ornated with carving and sculpture by artists of
celebrity. It had hot and cold water in every chamber;
the first dwelling with these conveniences. It had spa-
cious storage underneath for the vintages. Mansion
Square was a park and in it and at the elbow of the
stately structure was the Burnes cottage. With the
grandeur of the mansion was apace the hospitality that
ruled. General Van Ness contributed courtliness and
Mrs. Van Ness, sprightliness. The General may some-
times have thought of that slight touch of Scotch in
Marcia, and thinking of that touch and the slight Marcia
he had the thought,

She is a winsome wee thing,
She is a handsome wee thing,
She is a bonny wee thing,
This sweet wee wife o' mine.

To the General and Mrs. Van Ness was born a
daughter, June 12, 1803. She returned from Phila-
delphia, 1820, highly educated.

Mrs. Kate Kearney Henry says:

In 1821 Ann Elbertina married Arthur Middleton
of South Carolina. His grandfather was a signer of
the Declaration of Independence. He was Secretary of
Legation at Madrid when Cornelius P. Van Ness, an
uncle of his wife's, was United States Minister to Spain.
Few weddings of the present day equal and none surpass
the elegance and munificence of that occasion; there were
six bridesmaids and groomsmen. The former were
Miss Casenove, who married General Archibald Hen-
derson, Commandant at the Marine Corps; Miss Fran-
ces P. Lewis, a daughter of Lawrence Lewis (Washing-
ton's nephew), who married General Butler, U. S. A.;
Miss Laura Wirt, daughter of William Wirt, who mar-

253

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ried Thomas Randall, Esq.; Miss Mason, who married
her cousin, George Mason of Gunston; Miss Lee, who
married Dr. Bailey Washington of the U. S. N., and
Miss Mary Ann Kerr, a niece of Mrs. Peter Hagner.
The festivities lasted nearly a month; each bridesmaid
gave a party; each groomsman, a dinner.

Mrs. Middleton died, November 22, 1823. "In giv-
ing birth to a daughter, she fell a victim to a malignant
fever, which had already proved fatal to many other
ladies of the district in a similar situation." The be-
reavement affected Mrs. Van Ness beyond rebound. A
mausoleum of graceful architecture, circular and colon-
naded, patterned by George Hadfield, a replica of the
Temple of Vesta at Tivoli, near Rome, was built. The
location was H between Ninth and Tenth streets, north-
west, south side. It became known as the Mausoleum
Square. About the mortuary monument were the
Burnes graves of the generations.*

Prior to 1826, the asylum was in a house on Seventh
between H and I streets and was for girls only. Mrs.
Van Ness made a munificent contribution to the Orphan
Asylum, of which she was the First Directress; and
before a large presence, she laid the corner stone of a
capacious and suitable building which was erected ad-
joining the sepulchre. This was the orphans' home
from 1826 to 1866.

Mrs. Van Ness made Mansion Square a paradise of
plants, some arranged with care and some with careless-
ness, all with taste. Her taste, not alone in nature, was
shown in art — in paintings, in engravings and in sculp-

*The Mausoleum— Historical Sketches of the Ten Miles Square.
Jonathan Elliot.

254

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ture. She had care for the domestics; of their every-
day needs and pleasures and of their spiritual for every
morning and evening she joined the corps in devotional
exercises. Her ideas of propriety had not the latter-
day liberty and she not to let the adopted daughter* with
the other young ladies of Mme. Bonfil's French school
appear in public entertainment arranged for them a
May-day festival with a May-pole in the Square.f

Mrs. Smith's letter:!

Deer. 21st 1827

* * * Next week there is to be a Fair, for the bene-
fit of the Orphan Asylum. Every female in the City,
I believe, from the highest to the lowest has been at
work for it. Mrs. Van Ness spares neither time or ex-
pense.

*Marcia Van Ness, daughter of Cornelius P., brother of Gen.
Van Ness. Married Sir William Gore Ouseley, March 27, 1828.

IMansion Square. In the plan of the City * * * was des-
ignated as above, on a map made by N. King, Esq., formerly Sur-
veyor of the City. * * * They improved at great expense, the
Square in the best modern taste, both as to buildings and grounds —
the latter of which, in addition to their lofty, dignified, paternal
trees, are abundantly supplied with the best native and foreign fruits,
including figs and grapes, and adorned with a great variety of orna-
mental shrubs and plants, hedges, quincunxes, gravel walks, vines,
bowers, &c. * * * The entrance into this walled square is
through an iron gate between two lodges at the north east angle,
fronting on the street and the President's Square. Thence there
is a winding carriage way, skirted by ornamental trees, shrubbery
and flowers, ascending an artificial mound at the north front of the
house, and passing under an elegant, projecting stone portico at the
door. This portico is the first of the kind, if not the only one, ex-
cepting that recently erected at the President's House, in the United
States. * * * Historical Sketches of the Ten Miles Square.
Jonathan Elliot.

%Forty Years of Washington Society.

255

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Smith's letter :*

August 17, (1832).

* * * Poor Mrs. Cutts is no more. She has been
long extremely ill. * * * Mrs. Van Ness, another
contemporary in my social life, is now dangerously ill
of fever.

Mrs. Van Ness's life-object was the mitigation of
others' misfortune. She was singularly self-unthink-
ing. And at the end she said "Heaven bless you, my
dear husband, never mind me.

The notice in the Daily National Intelligencer, Mon-
day, September 10, 1832:

Died, after a severe and protracted illness at 10
o'clock. A.M. yesterday, Mrs. Van Ness, wife of Gen.
John P. Van Ness, Mayor of this City. Of this lady
it may be emphatically said that she was the guardian
of the Orphan and the benefactress of the Poor.

The funeral discourse was delivered by the Rev. Wil-
liam Hawley, Rector of St. John's Church. Excerpts
from it, are:

In early life she was distinguished for great spright-
liness of mind, and amiableness of disposition, which
seldom or never failed of winning the affections, and
securing the esteem of all her acquaintance. The se-
dateness of her manners gave dignity to her deportment,
and genuine piety of her heart, as was exemplified more
extensively in after life, placed her among the first in
society, in the estimation of all who knew her intimately,
or enjoyed the pleasure and honor of her acquaintance.

The old cottage house, in which she was born, and
in which her beloved parents ended their days, was an
object of her deep veneration and regard — a true token

* Forty Years of Washington Society.
2*56

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of genuine filial affection — of undying love for the mem-
ory of departed Parents, which dutiful children will
always cherish to their latest breath. In this humble
dwelling, over whose venerable roof wave the branches
of trees planted by her dear Parents, and now stretching
forth their kindred boughs to shelter it from the pelting
storm, she had selected a secluded apartment, with ap-
propriate arrangements for solemn meditation, to which
she often retired and spent hours in quiet solitude and
in holy communion with God and Saviour.

On the evening of the 9th inst. at a meeting held at
the Western Town House,* it was resolved that a me-
morial be drawn and a plate executed. This inscription
was engraved :

The Citizens of Washington
In testimony of their veneration for

Departed Worth,

Dedicate this plate to the memory of

Marcia Van Ness,

The excellent consort of J. P. Van Ness.

If Piety, Charity, high principle and exalted worth,
could have averted the shafts of Fate, she would still
have remained among us, a bright example of every
virtue. The hand of death has removed her to a purer
and happier state of existence; and while we lament her
loss, let us endeavor to emulate her virtues.

A touching arrangement was that "on the arriving at
the gate of the sepulchre, the little female orphans, in
divided ranks, stood without, while the procession passed
between them within the gate. The body being placed
in front of the door of the Vault, these orphan children
approached and strewed the bier with branches of the
weeping willow." The tributes of the press, of organi-
zations and of individuals are an appendix to the printed

*S.W. corner of I and 20th Streets.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

discourse.* The poetical tribute in the appendix signed
H. G. is said to have been written by Horatio Green-
ough ;f the tribute on the mausoleum is in the same style.

The splendid sepulchre is now on an eminence in Oak
Hill Cemetery. On it are inscribed besides the poetical
tribute, the birth, marriage and death dates of Mrs. Van
Ness and daughter.!

In the Washington City Orphan Asylum is a portrait
of Mrs. Van Ness; the young children in it are repre-
sentative of her beneficence and of the fostering care of
that beneficent institution. It is a copy by the local
artist, Charles Bird King after F. Alexander. § Mr. King
put in the children.

In The National Portrait Gallery of Distinguished
Americans,

"Names that must not wither, though the earth
Forgets her empires with a just decay,"

are one hundred and seventeen sketches illustrated each
with a steel engraving and of these — five are of women :
Martha Washington, Catherine M. Sedgwick, Marcia
Van Ness, Dolly P. Madison and Abigail Adams. The
sketch of Mrs. Van Ness is by C. Middleton.||

Mr. Madison was the President of the University of
Virginia at the time of Mrs. Madison's letter of wifely

*Funeral discourse on the death of Mrs. Marcia Van Ness. Rev.
William Hawley.

fSo said by George Alfred Townsend in Washington, Outside
and Inside.

$Gen. Van Ness died March 7, 1846. His remains went to the
elaborate edifice where were his wife's. Marcia's father, mother
and brother are interred in Rock Creek Cemetery.

^History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design. Wil-
liam Dunlap.

||See Marcia Burns. Famous American Belles of the Nineteenth
Century. Virginia Tatnall Peacock.

258

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

alarm. The letter indicates that Mr. Madison had the
best possession possible — a sympathetic wife.

Monday,— 9 O'Clock.
My Beloved, — I trust in God that you are well again,
as your letters assure me you are. How bitterly I regret
not going with you ! Yours of "Friday midday" did
not reach me till last evg. I felt so full of fear that
you might relapse that I hastened to pack a few clothes
and give orders for the carriage to be ready and the
post waited for. This mor'g, happily the messenger
has returned with your letter of yesterday, which revives
my heart and leads me to hope you will be up at home
on Wednesday night with your own affectionate nurse.
If business sh'd detain you longer — or you sh'd feel un-
well again, let me come for you. Mama and all are
well. I enclose you one letter. The only one rec'd by
yesterday's post, with two latest papers, to read on your
journey back. I hope you rec'd my last of Thursday
containing letters and papers. My mind is so anxiously
occupied about you that I cannot write. May angels
guard thee, my dear best friend!

D .

To James Madison,

University.
Tuesday mor'g.

Mrs. Madison's advice for getting to the goal of per-
fection and happiness — going with the virtues — has the
certainty of foreknowledge; while the foretelling of the
sibyl without disclosing the path has the danger of fail-
ure by the loss of the way.

To her niece, Mary:

Montpellier, August 1, 1833.

May your fortune, dearest Mary, be even better than
the sybil's predictions. There is one secret, however,
she did not tell you, and that is the power we all have in

forming our own destinies.

259

Lile and Letters of Dolly Madison

We must press on that intricate path leading to per-
fection and happiness, by doing all that is good and
noble, before we can be taken under the silver wing of
our rewarding angel; this I feel sure you will aim at,
and succeed beyond doubt. It will not be necessary,
dear child, to recapitulate all the virtues important to
render us worthy and deserving of good fortune, because
you know them well.

I received your last letter just a week after the date
on the inside, though the envelope was marked for the
26th.

I hope the book I sent has been received, and that ere
this you are ready to go on your visit to Cousin William.
Present me affectionately to him and the girls; I should
delight in seeing them all. Your uncle Madison mends
in his health, but has many relapses. We have had
more company this summer than I can enumerate, and
though I enjoy it, my health has not been so good as
usual, this morning I was not able to breakfast with my
eight guests, but went for a drive with my dear husband
and shall join them at dinner.

Your affectionate aunt,

Dolly P. Madison.*

Mrs. Madison knew the little cares and crosses and
chagrins of children ; she knew in what was their sports,
their joys and their hopes — and she in that knowledge
and the sympathizing use of it made a good guide to
childhood.

To her nephew, Richard D. Cutts:

My dear Richard — I have been highly gratified by
your letters and ought to have thanked you for them
long ago — but you are too well acquainted with the ac-
tive life I had, not to forgive my delinquency — and too

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
260

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

well afsured of my true affection for you to my silence
proceeded from indifference to your correspondence.

I rejoice at the recovery of Madison and his prospect
of happinefs — Dear Thomas and lady, I hope to be
acquainted with before very long. — You have returned
to that excellent Institution, where advantages of every
sort, await the good and studious — the few years will
bring you to some profefsion — you must tell your unkle
Madison & myself what you have fixed your mind upon
as best suited to your views of independence and pros-
perity.

Your unkle Jas & cousins eight in Va desire to be
affectionately presented to you. When you visit us
again, which I hope will be soon your cousins will have
grown out of your knowledge — they go to a tolerable
school & improve accordingly.

— Adieu, for the present — accept from Mr M and all
of us best wishes & love.

D P Madison
Montpellier 4 Oct*- 1833

To Mrs. J. Madison Cutts :

Montpellier, Jan'y 25. 1834.

Before this I trust my dearest Ellen has recovered
from her cold and is in the enjoyment of all the agree-
able society around her.

I am very thankful for your letter. It was full of
intelligence and amusement, and I hope you will continue
to write me whenever your leisure will permit, as I can-
not expect letters from our dear Madison, because all
his attention is justly due to his fair bride. I received,
however, his kind note enclosing the court plaster, for
which Mr. M. offers you his thanks. The prints came
safe to hand and Anna intends to acknowledge them for
herself and sisters, who were all highly pleased with
them.

I am very proud of being remembered by the amiable
friends you mention, and beg to be presented to them

26!

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

when you see them again. You are so good as to wish
I had been with you at the theatre, as well as at Mrs.
Tayloe's party. I am sure I should have been delighted
at both, but the next good thing to being with you is to
receive accounts of all things from you.

I have been so unlucky as to cut my finger, which
makes it difficult to hold my pen, and which will explain
to you my bad and short letter. Your cousin Payne
offers you love and respect, and I think is inclined to
speak for himself.

Adieu, and believe me, your

Affectionate aunt,

D. P. Madison.*

The eldest son of sister Anna, James Madison Cutts,
was married in 1834. The wedding tour was by stage
coach to Montpellier. The bridal party were haled with
joy. The namesake of Mr. Madison from him received
many practical precepts and the bride heard many ex-
clamations of pleasure by Mrs. Madison over the wed-
ding clothes.

To Payne Todd :

Montpellier, July 20, 1834.

Yours, dearest, promising to write me again, came
safely, and I was glad to hear mine, with the enclosure,
had reached you. You did not tell me whether you had
been successful in your collections. If not, you will
want supplies proportioned to your detention ; I am
anxious that you should have them, and you know the
little I have in my power is at your command, though
but "a drop in the bucket." You will tell me when you
intend to return, that I may have the pleasure of expect-
ing you.

*Dolly Madison. J. Madison Cutts. Records of the Columbia
Historical Society.

262

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Messrs. Patton and Rives dined with us on the 12th ;
they inquired for you, and said they had hoped to see
you at the party as a "Jackson man." General Madison
came with them, looking well and happy. Mr. Madison
is better, though very ill a few days since, and I now
hope he will soon be well enough for me to leave him
on an expedition to the Court House. It would be quite
an event for me to go there, five miles from home. Our
last tobacco was a failure; it sold at seven when seven-
teen was expected; so it goes with planters. Dolly and
Mary wrote me yesterday that you were very popular
in Washington, and I should like to be with you to
witness it — the respect and love shown to my son would
be the highest gratification the world could bestow upon
me. I think to inclose this to my brother to deliver, in
case of your having left, to keep it for you, or return
when you are at home, as I shall inclose. * * *
We have seen but few strangers since you left home.
Mr. Burney, of Baltimore, called on his way to the
Springs, and Mr. Randall, of Philadelphia, with his
daughters and niece. He said, by the way, that he had
caught a glimpse of you at the station, but lost sight of
you again, as he was busy with his baggage.

I suppose you saw Madam Serurier before she went

on her travels. If you see Mrs. Lear, tell her she must

come from the Springs to visit me. And now, adieu, my

dear son; may Heaven preserve and protect you, prays

Your mother,

Dolly P. Madison.*

Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Smith, August 31, 1834, gave
a biographical sketch of herself :

My family are all Virginians except myself, who
was born in N. Carolina, whilst my Parents were there
on a visit of one year, to an Uncle. Their families on
both sides, were among the most respectable, and they,

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

263

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

becoming members of the society of friends, soon after
their marriage manumitted their Slaves, and left this
state for that of Pennsylvania, bearing with them their
children to be educated in their religion — I believe
my age at that time was 11 or 12 years — I was educated
in Philadelphia where I was married to Mr. Todd in
1790, and to Mr. Madison in 94, when I returned with
him to the soil of my Father, and to Washington, where
you have already traced me with the kindness of a Sis-
ter. In the year 91, and after the death of my Father,
my Mother received into her house some Gentlemen as
boarders — and in 93 she left Philadelphia to reside with
her daughter Washington — afterwards, with my sister
Jackson, and occasionally with me.*

*Forty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.
264

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CHAPTER VII

1835-1840

HARRIET MARTINEAU began her five weeks
visit at Washington, January 13, 1835. * She
decided the visit to be the most profitable and
the least agreeable in her western travel. Washington,
she says, "is no place for persons of domestic tastes;" it
is for "persons who love dissipation, persons who love
to watch the^game of politics, and those who make a
study of strong minds under strong excitements."

She came to Montpellier, by invitation, February
18th. Says she:

The dwelling stands on a gentle eminence, and is
neat and even handsome in its exterior with a flight of
steps leading up to the portico. A lawn and woods,
which must be pleasant in summer, stretch behind, and
from the front there is a noble object on the horizon,
the mountain-chain which traverses the state, and makes
it eminent for its scenery.

Mrs. M. is celebrated throughout the country for the
grace and dignity with which she discharged the arduous
duties which devolve upon the president's lady. For a
term of eight years she administered the hospitalities of
the White House with such discretion, impartiality, and
kindliness, that it is believed she gratified everyone and
offended nobody. She is a strong-minded woman, fully
capable of entering into her husband's occupations and

*Miss Martineau stopped at Mrs. Peyton's, at the northwest cor-
ner of Pennsylvania Avenue and John Marshall Place. Now
Reuter's Hotel.

265

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

cares; and there is little doubt that he owed to her intel-
lectual companionship, as well as her ability in sustaining
the outward dignity of the office. When I was her
guest she was in excellent health and lively spirits; and
I trust that though she has since lost the great object of
her life, she may find interests enough to occupy and
cheer many years more of an honoured old age.*

Christopher Pease Cranch, the son of Judge Cranch, f
was an author and artist; he could paint word pictures
as he could paint portraits; he could paint word pictures
in poetry. The Judge was austere; the son took all
more lightly; of consequence, the son would see that for
which the Judge would not look. And the son saw and
made this picture :

I gaz'd upon the dance, when ladies dight

Were moving in the light
Of mirrors and of lamps. With music and with flowers,

Danced on the joyous hours;

And fairest bosoms
Heav'd happily beneath the winter roses' blossoms :

And it is well;

Youth hath its time,
Merry hearts will merrily chime.

"And it is well" when healthy. The light stepping
is in measure to light spirits. The dance is of beauty
when in grace and innocence. In grotesqueness and
suggestiveness it is evil. In this day under coarse titles
are sensual movements. In the day of Mrs. Madison
was an approach which when reported to her by her
niece she deprecated in her elegant way.

^Retrospect of Western Travel. Harriet Martineau.
fBiographical Sketch of William Cranch in Greenleaf and Law
in the Federal City. Allen C. Clark.

266

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

To her niece, Mary Cutts :

Montpellier, (December 2, 1834.*)

There has been a spell upon my fingers for a long
time, dearest niece, and even now there rests one on my
eyes; still I would commune with you, whom I love so
much, and tell you that your letters are all received, and
my spirits rising as I peruse them, because my hopes are
renewed for dear Walter in your amiable efforts to em-
bark him again on the waves of fortune. I rejoice at
the pleasant visit you made to Kalorama with dear
Dolche. I was anxious to write and tell you of our
visit from Miss Martineau, and how much we enjoyed
her enlightened conversation and unassuming manners.
We also liked her lively little friend, Miss Jeffries. Ah
me ! my eyes are even now so troublesome that I must
hasten to say as much as I can in a short space of time,
hoping to do more when they are better.

I have no idea of the new dance you speak of, or its
motions, but approve of your declining to learn it, if
disapproved of by society. Our sex are ever losers,
when they stem the torrent of public opinion. Baron
K's parties must be piquant and agreeable, but if Sir
Charles Vaughn leaves what will you all do ?

Your uncle is still about the same, but I hope as the
season advances he will gain strength again. With love
to all the dear ones,

Always your own aunt,

Dolly P. Madison.f

Letter of Mrs. Smith :

16 April, 1835.
* * * In former years I was intimate with both, as
well as wjth Mrs. Cutts and Mrs. Van Ness, all conspic-
uous members of the social and fashionable circle of
that day. We have been travelling the same road and
about the same age. They have finished their journey,
— and I am near the end of mine?$

*Incorrect date.

fMemoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.

tForty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

267

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Montpellier, May 11, 1835.

Dearest Dolly, — Payne met a friend (Mr. H.) of
yours yesterday at Orange Court House, and brought
him home to dinner, with his two cousins. We were
much pleased with his society, as well as the account he
gave of you and Mary. He told me of your pleasant
party, and how much he admired and regarded you both,
but not half as much about you as I want to know; in-
deed, how could he, when my love for you makes me
wish to trace your every word and deed throughout the
year. He gave me your letter, and told us about all the
great personages now with you; but what was my grief
to receive only our music box ! the box I prized — the one
you and Mary gave me — was missing ! I will hope, how-
ever, that it was left with you, and I shall still hear it in
these deep shades.

* * *

Your own and always,

Dolly P. Madison.*

Count Alfred Guillaume Gabriel D'Orsay, was the
arbiter elegantiarum of the fashionable gentlemen. The
Right Hon. Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield. in
Henrietta Temple as the Count Alcibiades de Mirabel
describes him. An imitator, the same as he, had a satin-
lined coat of flowing grandeur, revealing a breastplate of
starched cambric, broad and brilliant; wristbands turned
with precision, fastened with jewelled studs, radiantly
glittering; a satin waistcoat, creaseless hosen and foot-
gear, Parisian polished. The mimetic powers of this
mimic, like the others, copied the outside only; with
them, the soul was wanting. Of the Court's philoso-
phy is :

Feel slightly, think little, never plan, never brood.
Everything depends upon the circulation; take care of

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
268

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

it. Take the world as you find it ; enjoying everything.
Vive la bagatelle!

To her niece, Mary Cutts :

Montpellier, October 31, (1835*)

I was delighted to receive your last letter, my dearest
Mary, as I am always, and sorry for your disappoint-
ment at not seeing Thomas and his wife. You inquire
if Count d'Orsay has been here? Yes, he spent nearly
three weeks with us, off and on, and seemed to enjoy
himself very much. He is a great sportsman, and would
borrow Payne's summer clothes, and go forth, returning
as ragged as bushes and mire could make him, rest for
several days, and then off again, tumbling into the river,
losing his way — and yet come home laughing at his ad-
ventures. We found him an elegant young man, sen-
sible and well-informed, except on the intricacies of our
woods. I forget, now, who introduced him ; I think
General Dearborn sent a letter of introduction. Mr.
and Mrs. Stevenson stayed a week with me, but I have
not yet heard from Mrs. Grimes and her children, of
their time for coming. I must tell you that my English
beauty has given me a calf as pretty as herself; tell this
to dear Dolly that she may be glad with me. Have you
any amusing books, no matter how old, to lend me?
You see in what haste I write; tell me everything that
you are doing, dear girls; my heart follows you all the
time, in spite of my engrossing family. It is now late at
night and my eyes close. Dear love to you all. Good
night, and sweet dreams ! Your aunt

Dollyf

Mr. Madison strengthened sufficiently to give Mrs.
Madison the social season of 1835'6 in Washington.

*Incorrect date.

^Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison,

269

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Her absence was eighteen years. She arrived October
19, 1835. Mrs. Thornton records that she, Dr. and
Mrs. Miller paid their respects on the 28th; and that
on the 20th of November, Mrs. Miller and she repeated
the visit.

Mrs. Wilcox was born in the Executive Mansion.
She was the daughter of the nephew and niece, (married
cousins,) of President Jackson. She lived many years
in Washington ; and at advanced age, there, passed away.

Mary Emily Donelson Wilcox was one of the children
who gave the party her mother superintended :

The children of President Jackson's family request
you to join them on Christmas Day, at four o'clock P.M.,
in a frolic in the East Room.

Washington, December 19, 1835.

Of the grown-up guests was Mrs. Madison bringing
her grand-niece, Addie Cutts.*

An entry in Mrs. Thornton's diary has a marked simi-
larity to one of twenty six years previous :

1836. January 1st. Monday. Very fine day. A
crowd at the president's & Mrs Madison.

Charles Jared Ingersoll, with his other distinctions,
has that of historian. He and his daughter visited the
Madisons at Montpellier ; their first day there being May
2, 1836. For preservation and not for publication he
made notes, however the death of Madison a little while
after the visit prompted him to let the public have them
through the medium of The Globe, Washington, August
12, 1836. Only a little is taken from the delightful
report :

*Christmas Under Three Flags. Mary Emily Donelson Wilcox.
270

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The house is a two-story brick mansion, with wings
and colonnades front and back, in good design, but de-
cayed and in need of inconsiderable repairs, which, at a
trifling expense, would make a great difference in favor
of the first impression of his residence. The house was
built by his father; the wings and colonnades by himself.
The rooms are good, furnished with French carpets,
large windows, a good many paintings and some statuary
— altogether without anv fashionable or very elegant
equipment, yet in a gentlemanlike style of rural pros-
perity. The table was not only abundantly, but hand-
somely provided; good soups, flesh, fish, and vegetables,
well cooked — desert and excellent wine of various kinds;
and when Mrs. Madison was prevailing on me to eat
hot bread at breakfast, she said, "You city people think
it unwholesome, but we eat heartily, like the French, and
never feel ourselves worse for it." She looks just as she
did twenty years ago, and dresses in the same manner,
with her turban and cravat; rises early, is very active,
but seldom leaves the house, as her devotion to Mr. Mad-
ison is incessant, and he needs all her constant attention.
* * The estate consists of near two thousand

acres of good land — the red soil, John Randolph said,
in which Presidents grow. * * * Soon after our
arrival, Mrs. Madison took us into the room he occupies
during the day, and from that time I passed the greater
part of three days at his side, listening to his conver-
sation. * * * We found him more unwell than
usual, and with a difficulty of breathing, which affects
his speech; so that Mrs. Madison told me I must talk,
and not let him. But as I wanted to listen, and he
appeared to grow better every day, our conversation ani-
mated without fatiguing him. * * *

To her sister, Mrs. Todd:

Montpellier, May 8th 36

I have recd dearest sister your letter of April 22d I
am grieved to tell you that my dear Husband has been
unusually sick for some days, and is at present unable

271

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

to write, or even exert his thoughts, without opprefsive
fatigue — he desires me however, to enclose Govr
Shelby's* letter to him of May 15th 1814 — according to
Mr Todd's request, which it gives him pleasure to comply
with.

I hope that such a testimony in favour of Genl Har-
rison, & such facts & explanations will dispose charges
against his military character, & conduct whether pro-
ceeding from error or personal hostility.

D. P. Madison

Mr. Madison in old age was very feeble. He was
reclining on a sofa when he requested a visitor to draw
a chair near him and added, "Strange as it may appear,
I always talk better when I lie."\

Mr. Madison, although always described as small and
slight and inferentially physically weak, lived to be
eighty five. He died on the morning of the 28th of
June, 1836. He was born on the 5th of March, 1751,
old style; or on the 16th of the new.

To Richard Cutts :

Montpellier. July 5, 1836.

I could never doubt your sympathy, dear brother, and
require it much now. When can you come and see me?
I hope it will be soon, relying on that hearty welcome
always in store for you, and each one of your dear chil-
dren, who have been even as my own. I wish you
would see Mr. Morris at the Highlands, and say to him
from me that his friendship is a dear consolation. I
prize his advice, and, as from my early and most faithful
friend, will strive to follow that contained in his letter

^General Isaac Shelby — Governor of Kentucky. Voted a gold
medal for his conduct in the invasion of Canada, War 1812.
fin Memoriam: Benjamin Ogle Tayloe.

272

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of the 1st as well as any other which he may extend to
me when he visits Montpellier. * * * I would
write more, dear Richard, but have no power over my
confused and oppressed mind to speak fully of the en-
during goodness of my beloved husband. He left me
many pledges of his confidence and love; especially do I
value his writings. From the procedure of the first part
of the "Debates in the Convention," I have to p'ay do-
nations to several institutions. My brother and son are
making a copy to send to England.

Adieu, with love,

Dolly P. Madison.*

Mrs. Madison received letters of sympathy from the
most eminent and her responses were counterparts of
literary excellence.

The Congress of the United States conferred upon her
the frank privilege.! It passed condolatory resolutions
and the President transmitted them with a personal con-
dolence :

Washington, July 9, 1836.

Madam, — It appearing to have been the intention of
Congress to make me the organ of assuring you of the
profound respect entertained by both its branches for
your person and character, and of their sincere condo-
lence in the late afflicting dispensation of Providence,
which has at once deprived you of a beloved companion,
and your country of one of its most valued citizens, I
perform that duty by transmitting the documents here-
with enclosed.

No expression of my own sensibility at the loss sus-
tained by yourself and the nation could add to the con-
solation to be derived from these high evidences of the
public sympathy. Be assured, madam, that there is not
one of your countrymen who feels more poignantly the
blow which has fallen upon you, or who will cherish with
a more enduring constancy the memory of the virtues,

*Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
t Statutes at Large, July 2, 1836. V. 107.

273

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the services, and the purity of the illustrious man whose
glorious and patriotic life has just been terminated by a
tranquil death.

I have the honor to be, madam, your most obedient
servant,

Andrew Jackson.

To Mrs. D. P. Madison, Montpellier, Virginia

To the President, Mrs. Madison replied :

Montpellier, August 20, 1836.

I received, sir, in due time, your letter conveying to
me, the resolutions Congress were pleased to adopt on
the occasion of the death of my beloved husband, — A
comunication made, the more grateful by the kind ex-
pression of your sympathy which it contained.

The high and just estimation of my husband by my
countrymen and friends, and their generous participa-
tion in the sorrow occasioned by our irretrievable loss
(expressed through their supreme authorities and other-
wise) are the only solace of which my heart is suscep-
tible on the departure of him who had never lost sight
of that consistency, symmetry and beauty of character
in all its parts, which secured to him the love and ad-
miration of his country, and which must ever be the
subject of peculiar and tender reverence to one whose
happiness was derived from their daily and constant
exercise.

The best return I can make for the sympathy of my
country is to fulfil the sacred trust his confidence reposed
in me, that of placing before it and the world what his
pen prepared for their use, — a legacy the importance of
which is deeply impressed on my mind.

With great respect,

D. P. Madison.

To the President of the United States.

In the autographic collection of James F. Hood, Esq.,
is this letter:

274

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington, D. C, July 13th 1836.

Mrs. D. P. Madison
Madam

The Washington National Monument Society has
done me the honor of assigning to me the melancholy,
yet grateful duty of communicating the enclosed reso-
lutions, as a faint expression of their sympathy to your
recent bereavement.

If your sorrows could be alleviated in proportion to
the sympathy of others, they would be light indeed; for
you may be assured that that sympathy is universal.

There was not a citizen of the United States, it is
believed, who did not honor the illustrious deceased,
while living, nor is there one who does not sincerely
lament his death.

Such a life and such a death afford a consolation
which can be surpassed only by the assurance that he has
gone to receive his reward.

I beg you, Madam, to be assured, of my deep personal
sympathy in your affliction, and of the perfect respect
with which I am your obed1 servt.

W. Cranch, 1st V. Prest of

the Washn. Monument Society.

Madison was the President of the Society, succeeding
Chief Justice Marshall, the first President.

Mr. Madison's will is dated April 15, 1835. To Mrs.
Madison he devised Montpellier subject to a charge of
nine thousand dollars; the Washington (Dolly Madison
house) property; and bequeathed the proceeds of the
Constitution papers subject to charges aggregating about
twelve thousand dollars, principally bequests to educa-
tional institutions. Mr. Madison valued these papers at
fifty thousand dollars ; largely in excess over the amount
realized through them.

275

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Savs Mr. Madison in his will :

Considering the peculiarity and magnitude of the
occasion which produced the convention at Philadelphia
in 1787, the characters who composed it, the constitu-
tion which resulted from their deliberations, its effects
during a trial of so many years on the prosperity of the
people living under it, and the interest it has inspired
among the friends of free government, it is not an un-
reasonable interference that a careful and extended re-
port of the proceedings of that body, which were with
closed doors, by a member who was constant in atten-
dance, will be particularly gratifying to the people of
the United States, and to all who take an interest in the
progress of political science and the cause of true liberty.

Madison's last message. It is in the handwriting of
Mrs. Madison.

Advice to my Country.

As this advice, if it ever see the light will not do it
till I am no more it may be considered as issuing from
the tomb when the truth alone can be respected, and the
happinefs of man alone consulted. It will be entitled
therefore to whatever weight, can be derived from good
intentions, and from the experience of one, who has
served his Country in various stations through a period
of forty years, who espoused in his youth and adhered
through his life to the cause of its liberty and who has
borne a part in most of the transactions which will con-
stitute epochs of its destiny.

The advice nearest to my heart and dearest in my
convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished
and perpetuated. Let the open enemy to it be regarded
as a Pandora with her box opened; and the disguised
one, as the serpent creeping with his deadly wiles into
Paradise.

Madison.*

*Writings of James Madison. Gaillard Hunt. Signed by
Madison.

276

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison to Mr. Clay:

Montpeler, November 8, 1836.

The continued and very severe affection of my eyes,
not permitting, but with much difficulty, even the sig-
nature of my name, has deferred, dear friend, the ac-
knowledgments due for your very kind and very accep-
table letter of August 18th. I should sooner have re-
sorted for this purpose to the pen of an amanuensis, but
that the failure of my general health combining equal,
and sometimes greater suffering, rendered dictation
very painful, and hope still flattered me that I might yet
use my own. So much time having elapsed with little
improvement in my situation, I can submit no longer
delay in offering this explanation of my silence, nor omit
the expression of my deep sensibility to that pure and
true sympathy which I am conscious I receive from such
highly valued friends as Mrs. Clay and yourself.

The sources of consolation in my bereavement which
you suggest, are those which my heart can most truly
appreciate. The reflected rays of his virtues still linger
around me, and my mind now dwells with calmer feel-
ings on their mellowed tints. He left me, too, a charge,
dear and sacred, and deeply impressed with its value to
his fame, and its usefulness to his country. The im-
portant trust sustained me under the heavy pressure of
recent loss, and formed an oasis to the desert it created
in my feelings.

In fulfillment of his wishes I have, therefore devoted
myself to the object of having prepared for the press
the productions of his pen. It will form the surest evi-
dence of his claim to the gratitude of his country and
the Avorld. With the aid of my brother, who has pre-
pared copies of the debates in the Revolutionary Con-
gress and in the Convention, under Mr. Madison's eye,
triplicates have been completed for publication here and
abroad. My son went, in July, as far as New York,
and remained there for the purpose of negotiating with
the most eminent publishers, and I have had communi-

277

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

cation with those in other cities, but no offer has been
made by any entitled to confidence, which would free me
from heavy and inconvenient advances and the risk of
impositions and eventual loss. Under these circum-
stances I have been advised by a friend to offer the work
to the patronage of Congress, asking their aid so far as
to relieve the work from the charges upon it, principally
for literary and other benevolent purposes, and, after
their use by Congress, to give me the stereotype
plates. This would at once allow me to throw them
into general circulation on a scale that would remunerate
me more in accordance with the expectations entertained
by their author, and would also allow the price to be
so graduated as to insure their general diffusion.

As this plan was suggested by one favorable to the
Administration, he advised also that the channel of his
friends, as the majority of those who were to decide on
the proposition, should be employed in making it, and
pledged their support. This work being a record only
of what passed preceding the existence of present
parties, can not associate the name of Madison with
either, and therefore its introduction and advocacy by
the one can be no bar to the favor of the other. On your
part, I am sure that, in my yielding to it this direction,
you will perceive no deviation from the high respect and
friendly regard I entertain toward yourself, but approv-
ing an adoption of this course as most conducive to
success, you will, with your friends, insure it on the
merits of the work alone, uninfluenced by adversary
feeling toward the source from whence the measures
originated.

It was my intention to have gone to Washington,
principally with a view to obtain in personal conference
the advice of my best friends, but my protracted ill
health, and the approach of an inclement season I fear
may prevent the journey.

In addition to the three volumes of the Debates (near
six hundred pages each) now ready for the press, matter
enough for another volume is expected, and nearly four

278

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

hundred pages copied, of writings and letters on Con-
stitutional subjects, considerable selections have also been
made from his early correspondence, which may form
a volume on the legislative proceedings of Virginia, and
historical letters of the period from 1780 up to the
commencement of the new Government. His Congres-
sional and Executive career may furnish two more. His
writings already in print, as "Political Observations," a
pamphlet in 1795, "Examinations of the British Doc-
trine," etc., it is thought should be embodied with his
other works for more permanent preservation.

It is important that these manuscripts should be pre-
pared and committed to the press as early as they can
follow the Debates, and the success of the latter will
much facilitate the publication of the former, even if
Congress should decline a like patronage to them, a mode
which would be much preferred.

The near approach of the time which will call you to
your Senatorial duties rendering it uncertain whether
this would reach you ere your departure from home, I
deem it safest to address it to Washington, whence I
hope, on your safe arrival, you will favor me with an
acknowledgment of its receipt and any suggestions your
friendship may offer.

Accept for Mrs. Clay and yourself my affectionate
respects.

Mrs. Madison communicated with the President No-
vember 15, 1836, relative to the manuscripts of Mr.
Madison and he, in turn, December 6, 1836, communi-
cated with Congress. For the manuscripts by joint reso-
lution an appropriation was made by the Congress March
3, 1837.* The resolution was passed by the Senate,
February 20, 1837, by a vote of thirty-two to fourteen.
Senators Clay, Crittenden, Preston, Rives, Robbins and

"Statutes at Large V. 171. $30,000.

279

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Webster advocated the measure and Senator Calhoun
antagonized it.

Montpellier, April 1, 1837.
Dear Sir.

Be pleased to deliver to the order of the Secretary of
State the box* deposited with you for safe keeping con-
taining the manuscript copy of the Debates in the Con-
vention of 1787 and of the Debates &c in the Congrefs
of the Confederation: and accept my thanks for your
kind guardianship of them.

D. P. Madison
Richard Smith, Esq:
Cashier of the late

Bank of the United States.

Mr. Smith will be so obliging as to deliver the box of
MS. above mentioned to the Bearer.

John Forsyth

Secy, of State
April 6, 1837

Highlands Geotown D. C. May 10th (Wedy) 1837

Dear Mrs Madison

Among the reviving powers of Spring which I pray
may shed its choicest blefsings on Mont Pelier, its in-
fluence here, is, to renew the hope to my dear Mary and
myself of making our so long intended visit to its Shrine,
which, without even waiting for your concurrence as to
time, We propose to do so on the first fair day Thurs-
day— this plan, if not again postpon'd by some adverse
fate, will bring us to the Court House on friday even-
ing by the Stage —

With the most affectionate remembrances of Mrs
Nourse & her whole household, and with every most
respectful consideration, I am ever

Yr mo. ob. S* & devoted Friend

Anthony Morris

*See Appendix D.
280

o
f-
o
z

uj'

-J
-J

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Joseph Nourse all through the revolutionary war did
service with the pen. From 1776 and for fifty-three
years he thus served the government. When the gov-
ernment from Philadelphia moved, he moved as a part
of it. He first owned Bellevue on the heights of sub-
urban Georgetown. On the turnpike to Rockville,
farther countryward, he built on and developed the tract
whereon is now the cathedral of the Episcopal church.
His son, Charles Joseph, in Philadelphia, married Re-
becca, the daughter of Anthony Morris. A seer had
foretold she would marry a butcher and she did marry
of the War Department, the chief clerk. These Nourses
who attended the government gave General Jackson the
inspiration of his witty threat, he would "soon clear out
the Noursery."* Mr. Nourse, the son, with stone
quarried in the neighborhood, built the Highlands, oppo-
site the mansion of George French, Junior. The friend-
ship of Mrs. Madison for Mr. Morris and Rebecca was
added to by the additional family. In the Nourse fam-
ily to this date Mrs. Madison is a pleasant memory.
Father Morris came to live permanently with Rebecca
and Rebecca's husband. One visit sure he and his
granddaughter made to Montpellier. There the little
Miss was timid. Mr. Madison carried her on his shoul-
ders and interested her in the pictures. 'The tender
mercies of the wicked are cruel" and Mr. Payne like-
wise carried her on his shoulders and in easy reach of
the macaw to snap her finger. And Mary Nourse always
abominated Mr. Payne Todd. Mrs. Madison passed
hours, many times, at The Highlands.

*Social Life in the Early Republic. Anne Hollingsworth
Wharton.

281

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison to Anthony Morris:

Montpellier, September 2, 1837.

Accept a thousand thanks, dear friend, for your two
unanswered letters, containing the best advice in the
world, and which I have followed as far as I could on
my visit to the White Sulphur Springs, a new world to
me, who have never left Montpellier for nearly six years,
even for a day. I passed three or four days at the Warm
Springs, and two weeks at the White Sulphur, drinking
moderately at the waters, and bathing my poor eyes a
dozen times a day. The effect was excellent. My
health was strengthened to its former standing, and my
eyes grew white again; but in my drive home of six
days in the dust they took the fancy to relapse a little;
still I cannot refrain from expressing with my own pen
(forbidden by you) my grateful sense of your kind
friendship on every occasion.

I met with many relations and friends on "my grand
tour," and had every reason to be gratified, but for my
own sad, impatient spirit, which continually dwelt on my
duties at home yet unfinished. In truth, my five weeks'
absence from Montpellier made me feel as if I had de-
serted my duties, and therefore was not entitled to the
kindness everywhere shown me, and so I am at home at
work again.*

*&><

Quoted in Historic Homes in Washington. Mary S.
Lockwood :

I took her to be sixty or seventy years old. The
same smile played upon her features, and the same look
of benevolence and good nature beamed in her counte-
nance. She had lost the stately and Minerva-like motion
which once distinguished her in the house of the Presi-
dent, where she moved with the grace and dignity of a
queen; but her manner of receiving was gracious and
kind, and her deportment was quiet and collected. She

*Mewoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison.
282

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

received all visitors with the same attention and kindly-
greeting.

She remarked that a new generation seemed to have
sprung up. "What a difference," said she, "it makes in
society. Here are young men and women who were not
born when I was here last, whose names are familiar to
me, but whose faces are unknown. I seem suddenly to
have awakened after a dream of twenty years, to find
myself surrounded by strangers." "Ah! Madam," re-
marked one of the ladies, "the city is no longer what it
was when you were the mistress of the White House.
Your successors have been sickly, tame, spiritless and in-
different. The mansion you made so charming and at-
tractive, is now almost inaccessible. The present in-
cumbent has no female relative to preside over it, and
seems so much absorbed in party politics that he will
scarcely open the house to those who wish to see it. The
very tone of society has been affected by these changes.
At one time such was the bitterness of party feeling that
no visits were exchanged between those belonging to the
administration and those in opposition. Almost all the
old citizens are now excluded from office, and brawlers,
broken merchants, disbanded officers and idle young men
have been put in their places. But society is beginning
to improve, and the fashionables of all parties mingle
more harmoniously. Foreigners, now, as in your day, are
all the go. A poor attache, a gambling ambassador, a
beggarly German baron, or a nominal French count, is
preferred to the most substantial and accomplished citi-
zen among the young women at this Court."

The Senate bill authorizing Mrs. Madison to publish
in foreign countries any of the papers purchased by the
government was passed by the House, October 13, 1837.*

Journal of John Quincy Adams :

October 24. (1837). This morning I visited Mrs.
Madison, who has come to take up her residence in this

*October 14, 1837. Statutes at Large V. 205.

283

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

city. I had not seen her since March, 1809. The depre-
dations of time are not so perceptible in her personal ap-
pearance as might be expected. She is a woman of
placid appearance, equable temperament, and less sus-
ceptible of laceration of the scourges of the world abroad
than most others. * * * The succeeding twenty
years (after Madison's presidency) she has passed in re-
tirement— so long as he lived, with him, and now up-
wards of a year since his decease. She intended to have
removed to this place last autumn, but was prevented by
an inflammatory disease in her eyes, from which she has
almost wholly recovered. There is no trace of it in her
appearance now.

The children were a part of the parties in Mrs. Mad-
ison's time.

From Mr. Adams' journal, again:

November 2. (1837.) "Attended the sociable party to
which I had been invited by Mrs. Forsyth. President
Van Buren and his son Martin were there, Mr. Martini,
Charge d' Affaires from Belgium, Mr. Cavalcanti d' Albu-
querque, the Charge d' Affaires from Brazil, with his
lately married wife and sister. Miss Okey, of New York,*
Miss Hughes, who Mrs. Meigs, Mrs. Forsyth's mother,
told me was engaged to Mr. Tacon, two Miss Macombs,
Major Macomb, and the General's son, Mr. Forsyth's
children, six or seven daughters, and one boy about
twelve years old. Mrs. Meigs told me that Mrs. Madison
had engaged to be there, but had sent this evening an
excuse — her eyes being unable to bear the light. The
conversation was pleasant, easy, and truly sociable."

Mrs. Meigs love to Mrs. Madison and begs her
acceptance of some boxes of guava marmalade & jelly
which my daughter gave me — & I hope you are well.

Wednesday evening.

*Miss Oakey married Mr. d' Albuquerque.
284

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. Clay to Francis Brooke :

Washington, December 19, 1837.

My Dear Sir, — I received your favor of the 17th. Mr.
Madison's Journal is not yet ordered to be printed, and,
without any such object in the delay, it may lead to the
benefit of Mrs. Madison, by allowing the sale and dif-
fusion of the European edition of the work. When
printed by Congress, I will recollect your wish to obtain
a copy.

The Dolly Madison House was built by Mr. Richard
Cutts. It is at the corner of Madison Place and H
street. Mr. Cutts became involved in debt and for ad-
vances by Mr. Madison, the property was transferred to
him* and by him devised to the widow. Here she held
court just as she did in the Mansion just beyond and
slightly hidden by the trees and the distinguished who
visited the President and his consort in turn visited her.
Her board may not have been so bountifully laden as in
the former days for she at times was much embarrassed.
This inconvenient condition was due to the demands of
her son, John Payne Todd, for she had had an ample
fortune. The house is described by the Misses Jane and
Eliza Wilkes, daughters of Admiral Wilkes, who ac-
quired the property:

It was then (1837) a small two-story-and-attic struc-
ture, having a gable roof which sloped east and west and

*Extract from memorandum by Mr. Madison :

Mr. M. agreed to purchase the House and lotts of Mr. Cutts
in the City of Washington under the following circumstances. A
considerable sum had been left under the control of Mr. Cutts
subject to the call of Mr. M. which it was expected would be de-
layed for a very short time. Before the call was made Mr. Cutts
yielding to sanguine calculations both of as to profit and the prompt
means of replacing the money applied the fund to flattering specu-
lations.

285

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

which was provided with dormer windows. It had no
back building, and the principal entrance to the house,
reached by plain wooden steps, was at the corner where
a window now is on the Lafayette Square front. The
yard or garden extended south to the Tayloe mansion on
the Lafayette Square side, and east to the middle of the
square on the H Street side.

Here, so near by the President's, Dolly had her plum
tree. The plums she dispensed were good things, and
richer than Tyrian purple. When Dolly shook the plum
tree there was a plum for many, bursting with juicy
meat.

The President

Requests the honor of

Mrs Madison's

Company at dinner Friday the 24th Nov.

at 5. oClock.

The favor of an Answer is desired.

Mrs. Madison's social activity immediately ensuing
her return to the realm of her former social reign may
be better impressed by an exhibit of her memoranda of
functions at which she was a guest.

List of dinners :

November 24, 1837. The President.
January 10, 1838. Mefsrs. Clay, Mr. & Mrs. Crit-
tenden.

18 The President.

19 The Secretary of State.

23 Mr. Memucum Hunt, Minister

PleP from Texas.
The Mifs at Mrs. Lindenbergers.
Mr. & Mrs. Preston.
February 8 Mr. & Mrs. Poinsett.

17 Mr. & Mrs. Woodbury.

March 1 Genl Van Nefs.

17 Mr. & Mrs. Webster,

and Mr. & Mrs. Curtis.

286

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Evening parties attended :

December 11, 1837. Mrs. Gilpin.

Mrs. Kerr.
Mrs. C. Cutts.
13 Mrs. Poinsett.

January 8 Mrs. Forsyth.

16 Mrs. Hill.

March 7 The Minister of France.

12 Mr. and Mrs. Polk.

13 Mrs. Alex. Hunter.
20 Mrs. Pleasonton.

Mrs. Madison made a list of her calls at this period.
Her visiting list included the higher officials of the gov-
ernment, legislative, judicial and departmental, and
the old residents of the city and its environs. She uti-
lized for her visiting list a congressional directory mak-
ing additions, as Mrs. and Miss, and alterations and
explanations.

Mrs. Madison's list included residents of the extreme
ends of the city and of country seats. She had constant
offers of private carriages to make her social journeys.

Gen. Van Nefs requests the honor of Mrs Madison's
Company at dinner, on Thursday, 1st of March, at 5
O'Clock.'

Mansion Square

22d Feby (1838)
The favor of an Answer is desired.

The journal of John Quincy Adams :

March 15. (1838.) Mrs. Madison had requested
that I would call to see her, and I went last evening. Her
object was to consult me respecting the publication of her
late husband's manuscripts, and she said she had con-
cluded to have one volume of correspondence, concern-

287

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ing constitutional questions since 1829, published im-
mediately by the Harpers, at New York.

Some business arrangement between Mrs. Madison
and the Harpers was consummated. Payne, the son,
wrote of disputes and differences in the settlement — the
invariable happening in all affairs he managed for his
mother.*

From Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Smith:

Montpellier, Sept. 10th, 1838.

Yours, of the 6th my ever dear friend has come to
make me blush for my delinquency, nor will I now add
a long apology for an ungracious silence, as is sometimes
done in such cases, but simply tell you that on my arrival
at home after a warm and dusty ride, I found myself
involved in a variety of business — reading, writing, and
flying about the house, garden, and grove — straining my
eyes to the height of my spirits, until they became in-
flamed, and frightened into idleness and to quietly sitting
in drawing-room with my kind connexions and neigh-
bours— sometimes talking like the farmeress, and often
acting the Character from my rocking chair; being thus
obliged to give up one of my most prized enjoyments that
of corresponding with enlightened and loved friends like
yourself.

* * * In truth, I am dissatisfied with the location
of Montpellier from which I can never separate myself
entirely, when I think how happy I should be if it joined
Washington, where I could see you always, and my val-
ued acquaintances also of that city, among the first of
whom is dear Mrs. Bomford.

When you see our amiable neighbours, of the whole
square, present me most kindly to them — also to Mrs.
Lear Mrs. Thornton and Mrs. Graham.

*Nov. 21, 1843. My dear Mother — I am to confer with one of
the Harpers as soon as I can see him about a difference in balance
in your favor.

288

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

I left some things of great value to me in my house
and am glad to find from John's* account that the depre-
dation did not amount to more than petty larceny. f

The acclaim with which Mrs. Madison was received
must have made her happy. It is inconsistent with the
attributes of humanity, to think otherwise ; and her hap-
piness shone in the smiles. Yet the smiling must have
been through tears for her heart was heavy with grief
in the declining part of the year, 1838.

So the cheek may be tinged with a warm sunny smile,
Though the cold heart to ruin runs darkly the while.

— Moore.

The Cutts children since motherless were her children ;
she to them and they to her, felt the tender office.

In September of that year, the second born, the nephew
died.

Daily National Intelligencer, October 3, 1838:

At Fort Jesup, Louisiana, on the 2d of last Septem-
ber, after a short illness, First Lieut. Thomas Cutts,
Third Infantry, son of the Hon. Richard Cutts, of this
city.

The death of this young officer brings inconsolable
grief to his wife and children, to his father and family,
and to the friends of his early childhood here.

In December the fifth born, the beloved namesake
Dolly Payne Madison passed away. Between the two
were the motherly and daughterly letters ; the former
counselling and encouraging, the latter news-telling and
advice-asking.

*Mr. Sioussat, former domestic at the Executive Mansion.
^Forty Years of Washington Society. The Smith residence was
the present 734 Fifteenth Street.

289

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Daily National Intelligencer, December 14, 1838.

Yesterday morning, at 8 o'clock, Miss Dolly Payne
Madison Cutts, eldest daughter of the honorable Richard
Cutts of this city. Her funeral will take place from
the residence of her father, in Fourteenth street, to-
morrow, (Saturday) at 11 o'clock A.M. which the
friends of the family are invited to attend without
further notice.

Be affable and courteous in youth, that
You may be honour'd in age.

— Lilly's Sappho and Phaon.

Mrs. Madison's affability was in youth — throughout
— and in age. In youth she was courteous to age and in
age, she was bending to youth. It is no wonder, then,
that in age she was honored by youth and that youth
courted her presence and withdrew every limitation that
might discourage it.

Bal Costume

Mrs. Weightman requests the pleasure of Mrs. Mad-
ison's company on Thursday evening the 21st of Feb. at
8 o'clock in Fancy Costume.

Thursday Jany 31st (1839)
My dear Madam

Understanding that you feel some difficulty in coming
to the Fancy Ball in Fancy Costume, allow me to say
that I shall be most happy to see you in your usual
drefs —

I am dear Madam

Yrs most cordially

Serena L. Weightman

Miss Serena was the daughter of General Roger C.
Weightman. General Weightman was a bookseller and
had his literary exchange at the corner of Pennsylvania

290

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

avenue and Sixth street where is the National Hotel.
He succeeded General Walter Jones as Major General.
He was Mayor when General Lafayette came. He from
cordiality and yet unthinkingly invited to a Fourth of
July dinner, Sir Charles Vaughan. He overlooked that
the buncombe served might be unpalatable to the British
Minister. Sir Charles "was a finished diplomat;" he
was not insulted for he caught the spirit of the invitation
and indited a polite response that he thought he should
be indisposed on the Fourth of July.*

Angelica Singleton of South Carolina, a cousin of
Mrs. Madison, was by her introduced to President Van
Buren. The introduction was by appointment; and the
family of Senator Preston was of the party. In the
year following, 1838, and in November, she was married
to Major Van Buren, the President's eldest son. The
daughter-in-law was the First Lady during Van Buren's
and the fact is a consequent circumstance to Mrs. Madi-
son's intermedium. It is hereinbefore, March 30,
1830, that Mrs. Madison was disappointed with the
failure of a coalition between her niece, Dolly, and the
handsome Abraham. The second offering of a relative
to the Van Buren marital altar did not fail.

The Boston Post has :

The Executive Mansion was a place of much more
than usual attraction in consequence of the first appear-
ance there of the bride of the President's son and private
secretary, Mrs. Abram Van Buren. * * * A con-
stant current set from the President's house to the mod-
est mansion of the much respected lady of ex-President
Madison.

*Perley's Reminiscences of Sixty Years in the National Metrop-
olis. Ben. Perley Poore.

291

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

To Mrs. Madison :

As we were disappointed in tasting the French pre-
serves at dinner on Saturday I bring you a bottle of
strawberries now — I am very anxious to see you for a
few minutes to consult you on a very important subject
& therefore will call again in about an hour.

thine ever

S. A. V. B—

March 8th 1839
My dear Madam,

I send you a few of the oranges which we have just
received from Charleston —

I regret that they are so much injured by transporta-
tion, that our supply is so much diminished, that we
cannot send you another dozen, as we intended —

With kindest love to Cousin Anna I remain ever yours
— Adieu —

S. A. V. B.—
We are off this evening —

The tribute to Mrs. John Quincy Adams to Mrs. Mad-
ison is by one most illustrious in the line of American
Queens.

I received your Letter yesterday, my Dear Mary and
am sorry to learn that Mrs Madison is unwell — I hope
that change of air will prove beneficial to her and that
she will return home rebraced; for renewed conquest
next winter — There are few Ladies who retained their
power over the heart of mankind so long as she has
through the winning attraction of her manner and con-
versation—

* * #

Mrs Thornton seems quite happy with us. Mrs
Charles has another fine Boy ten lbs and a half when he
was born, and looks as if he had formed to play his part
in this at present murderous world at least with good

292

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

fists to fight his way — He is four weeks old on Saturday
next — No name at present —

Adieu! Mary and Louisa are well and desire remem-
brance to you. * * *

Louisa Catherine Adams.

Mrs Madison presents her best respects to the Man-
agers of the "Bachelors' Ball" and regrets that she cannot
have the pleasure of being present at their entertainment,
which promises as ever a high gratification.

Mrs. Madison to her niece, Mrs. Lucy H. Conway :*

Washington, February 2, 1839.

I hope, my dear Lucy, that you will forgive an ap-
pearance of neglect which my silence may have implied
since the receipt of your kind letter, when I assure you
that such a feeling toward you shall never come into my
mind. I have waited some intimation of a speedy ap-
pointment from the secretary in favor of W. Williams,
but I am constrained to tell you that none such have been
made. I find he considers himself in the right to make
no promises, but to bestow the vacancies as they occur
and as midshipmen are required to complete equipments
of ships and smaller vessels — Wesley may be summoned
in his turn, but when is the question that cannot be
answered. I will continue to remind him of the wishes
and merit of the applicant and however tedious the sus-
pense may seem, I think success must crown him at last.
I should rejoice to hear that your health and spirits were
better, my dear Lucy, as I consider it the positive duty
of those who are afflicted to exert their religion and
their reason in favor of resignation, cheerfully allowing
the flowers to spring up in the heart which Providence
sees fit to wither for a time that we may be sensible of
our unstable hold on the blessings of this world from
which I believe it a mercy to the just and pure spirit to
be recalled.

*Belongs to Mrs. Kate Conway Macon Paulson, Sewickley, Pa.

293

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. R. M. Newman says that the little paper box is
preserved which was presented to his parents on his birth
( 1843) at their homestead, Hilton, adjoining Montpellier.
The box contained a baby dress and cap. With the gift
was a slip of paper, now on the box, in Mrs. Madison's
handwriting: "For Lewis Cass." As the father disliked
Cass as Mrs. Madison admired him; the gentle hint had
only its humor.

Mrs. Nelly C. Willis of Orange, Virginia, has this
reminiscence of Mrs. Madison's charming wifely par-
tiality :

It seems Uncle James was very fond of telling anec-
dotes which Aunt Dolly would applaud unto the third
and fourth edition of the same tale, remarking that Mr.
Madison's stories were always so good they could stand
repetition.

I have received Sir, your letter of March the 30th
requesting a copy of Mr. Madison's Will, which you
suppose may have been printed — I am not aware that
this has ever been done, or that such a proceeding could
be considered necessary to any one I must therefore
respectfully decline furnishing a copy of it for your
friend in England.

D. P. Madison
Mr. Tappan
April 3d 1839

This publication is mainly of letters. The merit of
the letters makes the merit of the publication. The
letters of Mrs. Preston are dew with the flowers, fresh-
ness and sweetness. The literary flowers of Mrs.
Preston are the symbols of a soul, sincere and stainless.

Mrs. Madison was the harmonizer of her day. Her
home was the shrine of true friendships, free of the
alloy of asperities of creeds and codes and all that excite

294

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

rivalries, jealousies and antagonisms. Her presence that
had the influence of peace be unto you was sought by
those who appreciate that benign quality.

Robert Young Hayne, the champion of State rights,
had in forensic encounter in the forum met Daniel Web-
ster, the champion of the Union. The effort of the
young Carolinian has given him historic immortality.
He had become the Governor of South Carolina and his
successor in the Senate was William Campbell Preston,
the husband of Mrs. Preston who indited the charming
notes.

William Campbell Preston was born in Philadelphia.
His mother was Sarah Campbell before her marriage;
the Sally Campbell who was the companion of Dolly in
her girlhood and young wifehood days. Master Preston
lived awhile with the Madison family in the President's
palace; and of his visit there he, himself, tells in his
springy style. He was maternally related to Patrick
Henry and equal to him in oratory. He was the friend
of Washington Irving; they made a tramp together in
Scotland. He relinquished Senatorial honor rather than
abide dictation. He accepted the presidency of the Uni-
versity of South Carolina. He was a classical scholar and
had classic features. As to the latter distinguishment one
can for one's self see — his portrait by G. P. A. Healy is in
the National Gallery at Washington. That a helpmeet is
heaven's blessing not to be overlooked was his notion
for he had two.

Of the tribute in The Charleston Mercury, May 26,
1860 is:

His aversion — perhaps his difficulty in writing, with
the consciousness that he could not faithfully portray
himself in the spontaneous efforts of his oratory — led

295

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

him to neglect committing to writing his chief exhi-
bitions of eloquence. His manners — his wit — his ora-
tory, must all be traditional. One of his distinguished
contemporaries mentioned to us, his personification when
in circuit, in playfulness, of Mercutio, at a little country
inn. Although he had often seen the character por-
trayed on the stage, he never comprehended it before.
A new and sudden blaze, was thrown over the concep-
tion of Shakespeare.

It is to be noticed that Mrs. Preston has adopted
General Washington's designation of the city of Wash-
ington— the Federal City — of the fanciful names to the
writer the most pleasing.

My dear Madam

The daughters of Dr Ramsay of our state & Mifs
Hayne daughter of our former Senator are to pafs this
evening with us —

Will you deem me over bold if I again beg your pres-
ence ? We are trying to show them what is most worthy
of note in our Federal City & we feel if they do not make
your acquaintance they will have missed its chiefest
attraction, & therefore trust to see you & cousin Annie
when the shades of evening fall —

Yours with respectful love

L. P. Preston

Washington
My dear Madam

We are now your tenant and this idea enhances the
agreeablenefs of our new situation, which, of itself, is
very charming at this season — your kindnefs in this par-
ticular adds to many kindnefses that I am proud to
remember. I sincerely wish that you could furnish me
some occasion to shew my willingnefs to serve you.

You have doubtlefs heard of poor Angelica's mis-
fortune. She is doing however pretty well & the doc-
tors tell me she is beyond danger.

296

MRS. MADISON

By Joseph Wood

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

With affectionate salutations, I am Dear Madam with
the highest respst

Yr friend best

Wm C. Preston
2nd April 40
Mrs. Madison.

Thursday —
My dear Madam

Will you dine with us on Saturday next at 6 Oclk —
Mr & Mrs Abbott Laurence from Boston, have prom-
ised us to do so & Mrs Laurence is exceedingly anxious
to make your acquaintance — She intends waiting on you
tomorrow but her pleasure will be increased, by having
a larger opportunity of seeing you which I trust you
will afford her by meeting her at our house on next
Saturday.

With cousinly greetings to your Annie I am Dear
Mrs Madison with

respectful affection

Yours &c &c

L. P. Preston

23d April

Is it not a delicious fancy, a delightful trick of un-
selfishness, or something of Quixotic pleasantry, that
the tenant invite the landlady to come and abide with her ?

My dear Madam

It has been in my heart to write to you for many
days past — Indeed ever since we found ourselves en-
sconced in the comfortable quarters you so kindly vouch-
safed us we have intended to thank you in good set
terms.

We almost fancy ourselves in our own shady quiet
home when we look out upon the trees and grass & hear
Birds, instead of Auction Bells & hacks as we daily did
on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Now that I have enumerated such causes of content
you would hardly my dear Mrs Madison expect me to

297

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

acknowledge that we crave another Boon at your hands
— yet so it is & I would not be a daughter of Eve did I
not desire more than has been given me — we want
you to give us yourself — the roads are good the weather
balmy & if you and cousin Anna will be room mates we
shall be delighted to have you as inmates of our house —

Everybody in the City will be pleased to see you —
Mrs Singleton who is on a visit & Mrs Van Buren will
particularly so — poor Angelica is getting over her dis-
appointment : especially since her Mother's arrival has
she been comforted — her baby girl lived but two hours —

I met Mifs Cutts at Mifs Tayloe's the other night,
quite well — not long since Mr Preston pafsed the evg
pleasantly with her Father & self playing whist —

Whenever you are not better employed we beg you
to drop us a line — Both Mr Preston & Sally beg to be
remembered to you & your niece — Pray greet her for
yours with respectful affection

Louise P. Preston —

Mr. Preston occupied the Dolly Madison house in
1840; Mr. John Jordan Crittenden, Attorney-General,
in 1841 ; Mr. James J. Roosevelt, a Member of Congress
from New York, in 1843.

Francis Preston Blair was of the Virginia stock and he
was born at Abingdon. He had the education for edi-
torial work and was the editor of The Globe, a Demo-
cratic paper published at Washington; however, he was
early in the Republican party. His son by marriage,
Samuel Phillips Lee, entered the United States Navy, as
midshipman, 1825, and was rear-admiral when he re-
tired. 1873.

Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Blair:

Montpellier, July 1st 1840

At length my dear Madam I am enabled to thank you
for your acceptable gift by Mr. Chapman "The path-

298

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

finder" of our admired Cooper — It has amused some of
my neighbours & myself very much, and it reminds me
always of your constant kindness during my residence
in Washington, which I beg you to believe will keep its
place in my remembrance.

Be pleased to offer my salutations to your daughter
& accept them for yourself.

Troy, October 20th 1840.
Dear M™ Madison

Mary tells me that you have an idea of coming to
New York this autumn. Mama is delighted to hear it,
as she hopes to have a visit from you at Troy. You
must wish to see the far famed scenery of the Hudson's
river. The Steam boats come from New York here,
160 miles in about eight or ten hours — The "Troy" is
the best boat — it leaves New York at 7 o'clock in the
morning — you will be amused constantly during the day
in admiring the splendid scenery — & the beautiful
country seats which line the banks of the river. The
Hudson, unlike the Potomac, is narrow, and so deep,
that the Steam boats run close along the shores — you
might sometimes speak to people in their houses. —

Now, when will you come ! Mama desires you to let
her know the exact time, that she may not be from home.
She hopes that you will be able to amuse yourself for a
few days — say a fortnight — she will drive you all about
the neighborhood, to see every thing that is curious.
Every body here will be delighted to see Mrs Madison. —
I only fear they will keep you too long from us at Wash-
ington.—

Papa lives at No. 17 Second street. If you write
from N. Y. to name the day when you will come up the
river, he will be at the wharf to receive you, with a ser-
vant to take your baggage — the house is but a few rods
from the Steam boat landing.

You disappointed us dreadfully last winter by re-
maining in the country. I hope you will never be so
cruel again.

299

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Will you remember me kindly to Mrs. Paine, and
believe me

dear Madam

yrs aff.
M" D. P. Madison Julia M. D. Tayloe

Montpelier

Orange County
Virginia

Miss Julia Marcia Dickinson, the only child of Hon.
John D. Dickinson, became Mrs. Benjamin Ogle Tayloe
in Troy, November 8, 1824. She was the first Mrs.
Tayloe. She died July 4, 1846. Miss Phoebe Warren
of Troy, April 17, 1849, became Mrs. Tayloe, the second.

Mrs. Tayloe speaks of the speed of the steamboat
made on the Hudson where Fulton, thirty seven years
before, August 11, 1807, made the first successful trip
with the Clermont.

And here it is appropriate to quote that poet prophet,
Erasmus Darwin, who in 1781, caught the far future:

Soon shall thy arm, unconquer'd steam ! afar
Drag the slow barge, or drive the rapid car ;
Or on wide-waving wings expanded bear
The flying chariot through the field of air.

I am truly sorry my good friend that the cow should
behave so badly, but jstill hope that she will return to
the kind protection of your family — if she has failed
however to do so until this time and you think it best
you will advertise her (as your own).

I enclose $10 to reconcile the little ones for their
fatigue as well as for the honor you may do the wan-
derer by announcing her in a newspaper.

D. P. Madison.*
Mr John Sioussat.

*Both letters to Mr. Sioussat are from The First Master of Cer-
emonies of the White House. John H. McCormick, M.D.

300

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison considerateness for the indebted Doc-
tor gives a possible opportunity for an application to
herself, further on: With what measure ye mete, it shall
be measured to you again.

Mr Sioussat,

I am glad, Sir, and obliged by your letter of the 5th.
telling me that my home was in order through your
acceptable attention to the repairs ect. and I wish I could
be there to see it but the indisposition of my niece Miss
Payne has made it impossible for us to set out for Wash-
ington during the last two weeks she is now better, but
the weather and roads continue the uncertainty of our
leaving home. I therefore enclose you $40 to reemburse
you and if J. M. Cutts does not settle with Mr. Harvey
I will do so on receipt of his bill. I regret having ap-
plied to Dr. Lanior for $200 when it was inconvenient
for him to pay it but have no doubt of his doing so
when better health enables him to think of and attend
to business, until which we wait for him, and I must
still trouble 'y°u to care for my little establishment
which I would transfer for a time to some friends if I
did not still hope to return to it this winter.

With good wishes for yourself and family,

D. P. Madison*
Montpellier

Dec. 10th. 40

"Both letters, loc. cit.

301

Life and Letters of Dolly Madiso

CHAPTER VIII

1841-1844

Washington Dis* of Col March 9—1841
To Mrs D. Madison,

WILL you my kind, and early friend, excuse
the liberty which I am about to take? I
am prompted by the remembrance of by-
gone days, and by the confidence reposed in me
by your illustrious husband, to ask a favor of you.
You know I was honored by Mr. Madison with a call
to preside over the then Indian Trade Department;
and afterwards by Mr Monroe, to organize a bureau in
connexion with the War Department, & to manage our
Indian Relations. I believe I succeeded to the entire
satisfaction of the Government, the country, & the
Indians. It was G1 Jackson's pleasure to proscribe me —
I was, without cause, driven to herd with the cattle, or
to live as I might. This power is prostrate. A new,
and as I hope and believe, a better day has dawned upon
us. I have been constantly in the field, batt'ling for the
change that has been made — The victory won, I am
before the Executive, with the arrow of proscription yet
in me, asking by the mouths of the citizens (Whigs I
mean) of Four States, to be restored to my former
position, as Commifsioner of Indian Affairs. Will you
do me the great kindness to address a letter to President
Harrison, in my behalf, and ask him to restore me to
the place I once occupied? And if you please, at your
earliest convenience — for, you know, Doctor Young says
— "Even gold may come a day too late" —

I hope you are well — happy you must be — May a kind
Providence preside over and' blefs you — With my kind
regards to your Son, I am yours most respectfully, &
most gratefully —

Tho. L. M. Kenney —

303

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

That Mrs. Sewall was Rufus Choate's sister Mary-
was not the cause of Dr. Thomas Sewall's celebrity.
The Doctor was celebrated in his own right. He is on
a most elevated eminence in the medical history of Wash-
ington city. He was of the founders in medical organi-
zations and of the staff in institutions of medical teaching.
He wrote medical essays and some were translated for
the foreigners to read. In the History of the Medical
Society of the District of Columbia is a picture of a
handsome man in perfect health and also a biographical
sketch of the Doctor which with attempted brevity is
somewhat of length because of numerous honors and
stations.

Washington City

June 8, 1841
Dear Madam

Yesterday your nephew Mr. Cutts called on me &
informed me that you were still a good deal troubled
with your old complaint the ophthalmia & that you de-
sired me to send you a little more of the ointment. I
have accordingly procured a small box of it & enclose it
by mail. I hope that you will still find it useful. I
have generally found it more efficatious by using it not
more than a week at a time & then remitting its use for
a few days. I send you but a small quantity as it is
better to be fresh & I hope also, that before you need
another supply, we shall have the pleasure of seeing you
in Washington. We understand that you may be here
in Oct. a season of the year when you can travel with
safety & comfort.

Your friends here are all quite well at present. Mr.
S. H. Smith had a severe illness about the time that the
President died, but has fully recovered & Mrs. Smith
I think has been in better health than for many years.

Mr. Crittenden & family are now occupying your
house which gives it an air of cheerfulness which it
much needed.

304

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. C. Cutts's sons were restored to office & are doing
exceedingly well. They are fine steady promising young
men & enjoy the friendship & confidence of all.

Mr. M. St. Clark as you have doubtless seen is re-
stored to the clerkship of the House, a situation which
he much needed.

Should you come to W. & spend the winter you will
find here a large number of your old friends, who have
been long absent.

Be pleased to present my best regards to your son &
to Miss Paine.

With sentiments of the highest consideration & regard

Tho. Sewall.

Mr. Roosevelt's wife, Cornelia, was a famous beauty.*

Montpellier Augt It 41

Dear Sir — I had the gratification to find myself kindly
remembered in yours to my son. of July 24th an(j vou
will be afsured that I appreciate your regard, whilst I
am sensible of having recd so many proofs of it.

I fully intend to occupy my House in the square next
winter the value of which would be greatly enhanced
by Mr. Roosevelt's building for himself a better habita-
tion on the Lot between Mrs. Tayloe & myself.

Affecte salutation to Mrs. Smith & your daughters
from their fd

D. P. M.

Good fortune is like the tree in summer full-leaved
and evil fortune like the tree in winter barren of foliage.
In good fortune the friends are as the numberless leaves ;
in evil fortune all are fallen away. No, not all, always
blow away, a few sometimes cling till the Spring comes
and other leaves replace. Adversity, it is the sentiment
of Lord Greville, is the touchstone of merit and the

*James J. Roosevelt married Cornelia, daughter of Cornelius
P. Van Ness.

305

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

meritorious exhibit the quality in acts of kind interest
toward the victim of adversity. He of merit toward
him of adversity does not substitute the deference of
the better days with indifference. And, Mrs. Madison,
bares her noble soul when she touchingly says, "my
brother and his family who are in spite of their bad
fortune inexpressibly dear to me."

Mrs. Madison to General James Taylor }*

Dec. 2/th 41—

I have recd yr kind letter dr friend with feelings of
much interest. To find myself still remembered by yr
estimable lady & daughter is gratifying to that attach-
ment I cherish for you & them — & I thank you both for
the kindnefs you have shown to my brother & his family
who are in spite of their ba'd fortune inexprefsibly dear
to me — I still hope that adversity will not always follow
them in their adopted country, & that smiling days still
await them — my first wish on their leaving us was that
they should stop in Ky or O. & since they have come to
the margin of both states — I trust William will contribute
to their comfort as you dr fd have so amiably done.

I wish Mrs. Taylor & yr self cd have been in Wash-
ington this winter — you would witness rather a strange
state of things, & found many charming people. Your
old fd my sister Todd spent the last year with me — she
had regained her health & much of that sprightlinefs of
spirit before her return to her son Wm Washington's —
from whom I often hear good tidings of her. You will
be pleased to hear that Mr. Clay is again well enough to
resume his seat in the Senate, after some days sicknefs.
All others of yr acquaintance are well & gay — My son
& Anna & myself dined with Mr & Mrs Rives Xmas
day where the party being all Virginian's our style of
gayety for this season was reverenced. Accept my best
wishes that it may always be a happy with you & yours —

*Belle Vue, Newport, Ky.
306

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Robert Tyler writes :

1841.

What wonderful changes take place, my dearest

M ! Here am I, nee Priscilla Cooper (nez retrousse

you will perhaps think), actually living in, and, what is
more, presiding at — the White House ! I look at my-
self, like a little old woman, and exclaim, "Can this be
I?" I have not had one moment to myself since my
arrival, and the most extraordinary thing is that I feel
as if I had been used to living here always, and receive
the cabinet Ministers, the Diplomatic Corps, the heads of
the Army and Navy, etc., etc., with the facility which
astonishes me. "Some achieve greatness, some are born
to it." I am plainly born to it. I really do possess a
degree of modest assurance that surprises me more than
it does any one else. I am complimented on every side ;
my hidden virtues are coming out. I am considered
"charmante" by the Frenchmen, "lovely" by the Ameri-
cans, and "really quite nice, you know" by the English. *
* * I have had some lovely dresses made, which fit me
to perfection — one a pearl-colored silk that will set you
crazy. * * * I occupy poor General Harrison's
room. * * * The nice comfortable bedroom with
its handsome furniture and curtains, its luxurious arm-
chairs, and all its belongings, I enjoy, I believe, more
than anything in the establishment. The pleasantest
part of my life is when I can shut myself up here with
my precious baby. * * * The greatest trouble I
anticipate is paying visits. There was a doubt at first
whether I must visit in person or send cards ; but I asked
Mrs. Madison's advice upon the subject, and she says,
return all my visits by all means. Mrs. Bache says so
too. So three days in the week I am to spend three
hours a day driving from one street to another in this
city of magnificent distances. * * * I see so many
great men and so constantly, that I cannot appreciate the
blessing ! The fact is, when you meet them in every day
life, you forget they arc great men at all, and just find
them the most charming companions in the world, talk-

307

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ing the most delightful nonsense especially the almost
awful-looking Mr. Webster, who entertains me with the
most charming gossip.*

Mrs. Robert Tyler again writes:

Washington, 1841.

My first state dinner is over ; oh ! such a long one, our
first dinner in the state dining-room. I was the only
lady at the table. What with the long table, the flowers,
and bright and brilliant dresses and orders of "Dips,"
not dip candles, I felt dreadfully confused. Mr. Web-
ster says I acquitted myself admirably. I tried to be as
cheerful as possible, though I felt miserable all the time,
as my baby was crying, and I received message after
message to come to the nursery.

I think father is a charming host. He received his
guests with so much courtesy and simplicity of manner,
and I do not think his power of conversation was sur-
passed, or even equalled by those around him.

The British Minister, Mr. Fox, is frightful to behold ;
he has the reputation of great ability.f

Mrs. Thornton's Diary:

January 1842. This year commences auspiciously as
regards the weather — a beautiful bright day — & all the
people are gay & stirring — The president's House over-
flowing— Many not able to gain entrance, & those that
do in fear of being crushed to death — or of losing a limb
M" & Mrs Adams — Mrs Madison — some of the Secre-
taries & many private families received Company — &
provided ample refreshments —

My dear Mrs. Madison

Knowing your fear of strange horses, I have made a
vacant place in our carriage for you. The carriage is

*The Story of the White House. Esther Singleton.
^Historic Homes in Washington. Mary S. Lockwood.

308

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

close and comfortable and you can not increase your
cold in riding in it — may I hope that you will let us call
for you — at about a quarter past eleven. I regret that
our party is so numerous that it is not in our power to
offer seats to Mifs Payne & Mifs Legare. Their car-
riage tho' can come — here & go with our party without
inconveniencing them — I hope. I receive your flattering
note this morning & I thank you for it — believe me
most affectionately

your friend

E. P. Tyler
Mrs. Madison

My dear Mrs. Madison

Friday night I give my last party at Washington and
I wish to know if it will be agreeable to you to honour
me with your company. I trust that you may find it
so — for it would destroy my feelings of pleasure in hav-
ing my friends around me — if you were not able to be
with them — with the greatest affection I remain most
sincerely my dear Madam

Your friend

E. P. Tvler
Mrs. Madison

Elizabeth, the third daughter, married William Wal-
ler, of Williamsburg, Virginia, Tuesday, January 31,
1842. The marriage service was in the East Room of
the Executive Mansion. She was in her nineteenth
year.*

Mrs. Robert Tyler writes:

Washington, February, 1842.

* Lizzie has had quite a grand wedding, although
the intention was that it should be quiet and private.
This, under the circumstances, though was found im-

*Ladies of the White House. Laura Carter Holloway.

309

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

possible. The guests consisted of Mrs. Madison, the
members of the cabinet, with their wives and daughters,
the foreign ministers near the government, and some few
personal friends, outside of the family and their relatives.
Lizzie looked surpassingly lovely in her wedding dress
and long blonde-lace veil; her face literally covered with
blushes and dimples. She behaved remarkably well, too ;
any quantity of compliments were paid to her. I heard
one of her bridesmaids express to Mr. Webster her sur-
prise at Lizzie consenting to give up her belleship, with
all the delights of her position, and retire to a quiet Vir-
ginia home. "Ah," said he,

Love rules the court, the camp, the grove,
And love is heaven, and heaven is love.*

Mrs. Robert Tyler writes:

1842.

I went to the Assembly last night, matronizing five
young ladies all dressed in rose color, all so lovely too —
Clementina Pleasanton and Belle Stevenson, the prettiest
of all. Belle has the most perfect figure and face I ever
saw, and Miss Pleasanton has a style, je ne sais quoi,
about her that makes her the most attractive of the two.

The ball was a brilliant one admirably lighted, and
not crowded, the ladies all well dressed and showing to
advantage. I spent a delightful evening. As I declined
dancing I had the pleasure of talking to many grave
senators and among the rest, had a long conversation
with Mr. Southard. As we stood at the end of the room,
which is the old theatre transferred into a ball-room, he
said : "On the very spot where we stand, I saw the best
acting I ever witnessed. I came into the theatre and
took- my seat by John O. Adams. There were never
two more delighted people. Mr. Adams said he had
seen the same play abroad, in France and England. John
Kemble and the great Talma in the part, Kean, Cook,

*Ladies of the White House. Laura Carter Holloway.
310

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

and Macready, but he had never seen it so admirably
acted as then." I entirely agreed with him in his ad-
miration, though I was not so capable of judging by
comparison as he.

Mr. Southard here paused. Though my heart told
me to whom he was alluding, I could not help asking
him, "What was the play, and who was the actor?"

"The play was Macbeth, and the performer, Mr.
Cooper."

I could not restrain the tears that sprang to my eyes,
as I heard my dear father so enthusiastically spoken of
I looked around, and thought, not only had papa's foot-
steps trod these boards, — I looked down at the velvet
dress of Mrs. Tyler, and thought of the one I wore
there, six years before, as Lady Randolph, when we
struggled through a miserable engagement of a few rainy
nights !*

Mrs. Madison's heartstrings must have drawn tense
in the full realization of rare friendship when she read
Mrs. Lee's recital of "cousin" Nancy's review of her
(Mrs. Madison's) life, event to event; the visit to Balti-
more; and the school days of her son under her
(Nancy's) mother-like care; and with the reminder that
they were all old friends of the Society of Friends, a
dear family from which they all sprung.

Baltimore, Febry 16—1842

* * * I found myself seated some evenings ago in a
most charming circle of our old Quaker friends — at the
House of that dear little cousin Nancy Poultney, as she
requests me to call her, surrounded by her children —
your name, and my account of you gave such life and
spirits to the dear old woman that she could talk of
nothing else — she carried me back to every event of your
early life to the time you spent with her in this city, to her

"Historic Homes in Washington. Mary S. Lockwood.

311

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

care and affection for your son when he was here at col-
lege— she beged me to write to you to give you "her dear
love" and tell you how she longed to see you once more —
all this I do cheerfully well knowing how you venerate,
and love, not only your old friends, but all that dear Fam-
ily from which we both sprung. * * *

God blefs you my belov'd friend —

E. Lee

I return this interesting book my dear Mifs Wightt
which you were so good as to loan me — the perusal of
which enchained my attention and as it deserved — my
admiration. The following lines among many others
manifest feelings and principles all must approve —

Sure God's bright smile is on this sunny earth,
And all his gifts and mercies showered on man;
For all may drink of pleasure's fragrant cup,
Who walk apart in an unblemished life,
From Fashion's follies or the rage of vice.

Ahasuerus

by Robert Tyler.*
March 18th 1842. Yours truly

D. P. Madison.

Mrs. Madison made her only visit to New York the
early part of April, 1842, on the business of publishing
the Madison papers. On her onward way she tarried at
Philadelphia a few weeks. She with Miss Cutts housed
on Thirteenth street. Her friends vied in bestowing
kind attentions. These friends were the Quakers and
Quakeresses, the friends of her youth, the strongest
friends, for at that season are made the most deep and
dear and enduring impressions. The attentions were
those of affection and not those of adulation for Mrs.

*Son of the President.
312

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Madison had descended from the official throne and her
age was as the sun descended to the horizon. The
Willcock's at Walnut and Eleventh streets requested the
honor of her company at dinner; and with their com-
pliments read "to be eaten today." Of other functions
was a ball in her honor.

My Dear Mrs Madison —

I heard yesterday of your arrival in town with the
greatest pleasure, & am truly grieved that I cannot be
the first of your friends to welcome you, as no one can
feel more gratified at the hope of seeing you — I am a
prisoner to my chamber, by order of my Physician for
an inflammation of my throat, & chest, & he will not
consent to my going out today, as it rains. — Mr Gilpin
will have the pleasure to call as soon as his Court ad-
journs this mors — but I would not wait to let him be
the bearer of my regrets to you — tomorrow if the sun
shines, I will certainly see you — please make my kindest
regards to Mifs Anne Payne, who I hope is with you,
& receive

My affectionate love

for yourself —

Yr friend

Eliza Gilpin

Wednesday Ms — 12th
April (1842)

Mrs Parish requests the favor of Mrs Madison's com-
pany, Wednesday evening next at 8 o'clock.
47 Barclay st

April 23d

Wednesday Eveg
Most dear Mrs Madison.

All the elements have combin'd to prevent me, and all
the Highlanders, from seeing you, since your return
from the far-fam'd city, once of Brotherly Love; but,

313

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mary, or Caroline will today have the happinefs to pre-
sent our united congratulations, to you, and to the "Sweet
Annie" as she has been christen'd we are told, in our
bulletins from Philada.

Mary will also present my imploring tabatiere with so
much grace, that I am sure it will be return'd with re-
new'd fragrance from your hands — I hope you will be
able to tell her, that the Philadelphians, have nobly done
their duty, by the devotion they have paid to its once

fairest flower —

most respectfully

A. M.

Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Gilpin:

My very dr Eliza — Ever since the rec* of your two
last letters I have been anxious to write, & to tell you how
much I regretted the want of power over the car & my
party to cause them to stop at your mansion on my
return from N. Y. — It wd have afforded me a great
gratification to see you there in theenjoymt of health &
happinefs, so near too our beautiful city of "brotherly
love" — but I was compell'd to hasten home without a
delay of more than one day with Mr & Mrs Coles.

I wd now answer your kind enquiry of where I.shd
pafs the summer but that is uncertain — I must first make
a long visit to my d Lucy & my nephew & nieces Wash-
ington in the upper country — thence a short one to
Montpr & lastly to the Springs — thus is my time laid
out for me & the next winter is in such distant perspec-
tive that I can only hope to be in this city — wish I could
with more certainty name the place & time for our meet-
ing but if I ventured to do so, I might subject you &
myself to disappoint but I trust it will yet be my ever
kind & dr fd & I will look forward in the hope of seeing
you again & longer in Phila next year — present me to
your children & believe me most truly your affte sister

314

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. Rush, when Attorney-General, lived in the Six
Buildings;* No. 2117 Pennsylvania Avenue, the range
or row in which the Madisons at one time lived.

Mrs. Madison to Richard Rush, Sydenham near Phila-
delphia.

Washington May 1842
* * * I would now if I had the power, exprefs in
this short letter my devoted friendship for my beloved
Mrs Rush and her sweet daughters adding to that num-
ber your excellent sons but it is not to be described save
in these few words — I am truly their sister, and yours.

Sydenham, near Phila.
June 15th 1842.
Dear Madam,

My father on his late return from Washington de-
livered to me the beautiful little keepsake you have so
k'ndly sent me, for which I beg leave to return my sin-
cere thanks.

As containing Mr Madison's hai'- it will ever be
precious to me and I shall doublv piize it ?s your kind
gift.

My mother requests me to say that she received the
porcelain cup & saucer, and hew much it has gratified
he'- to have this little token of your remembrance, which
is always so dear to her.

She and my sisters desire me to convey their most
affectionate remembrances to you, and also to Miss
Payne.

I rem? in dear Madam, with renewed thanks for the
locket.

Yours respectfully

attached & affectionate
ryQ Madison Rush.

M^ Madison

*Social Life in the Early Republic. Anne Hollingsworth
Wharton. /

315

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

First having the written assurance of General Bom-
ford that the Washington property was ample security
and the title thereto was without flaw vested in Mrs.
Madison to her request, John Jacob Astor acceded to
take a mortgage of three thousand dollars. The deed
is dated August 16, 1842.

Daniel Webster with posterity is preeminent for ora-
toiy, diplomacy and statesmanship. But Mr. Webster
was a man of flesh and blood. In that day on the
streets /he people frequently saw a strong-featured,
large-framed man going to and from the market in the
company of a servant and a large basket.*

* * * The hungry edge of appetite
By bare imagination of a feast

would not do for him. It must be substantial, select —
what went on the board — turned and seasoned aright —
just as Monica, the Virginia negress, did it.

Mr. Webster wrote many short notes and if, by
chance, one were found, it would read likely like this :

Dear W. W. S., — Fish all right for tomorrow. Let
them bask in Monica's ice-box till the day comes,

D. W.

5 o'clock.

To Mr. Seaton.

I am silting down, all alone at five o'clock, to a nice
leg of lamb, etc., and a glass of cool claret — come.

D. W.

*Perley's Reminiscences of Sixty Years in the National Me-
tropolis.

316

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. Webster was domestic — home-loving — and home
is not without hearts — a family. Grace Fletcher, his
wife, died January 21, 1828.

Mr. Webster made a second venture; made it, De-
cember 12, 1829. He married Caroline LeRoy, the
second daughter of Jacob LeRoy, a merchant of wealth
and a descendant of an ancient New York family. It
may be an awkward situation for some to make the
announcement — to make it gently — to children and fam-
ily; it may be an epistolary guide for such to know of
Mr. Webster's.

To Fletcher Webster:

New York, December 14, 1829.

My Dear Son: You have been informed that an
important change in my domestic condition was expected
to take place. It happened on Saturday. The lady
who is now to bear the relation of mother to you, and
Julia, and Edward, I am sure will be found worthy of
all your affection and regard; and I am equally certain
that she will experience from all of you the utmost kind-
ness and attachment.

* * *

I am always, with much affection, your father,

D. Webster.*

Mrs. Webster had the attributes of a true wife and
measured equal to her husband's high station. For
nearly twenty three years was she his wife; then his
widow.

My Dear Sir, — Mrs. Webster leaves in the cars this
P. M. Speaking of a little basket of one half dozen

*Life of Daniel Webster. George Ticknor Curtis.

317

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

peaches and two sickle pears, the other evening, — how
well-timed it would be, if that basket, contents as afore-
said, should meet her at the cars!

I have the honor, with distinguished consideration,
etc.

Yours,

D. Webster.
Mr. Seaton

My dear Mrs Madison

Will you & my friend Annie, gratify Mr Webster the
young ladies, & myself, by dining on Saturday next in-
formally with us at 5 o'clock.

I trust that your engagements may not interfere — In
our present establishment we do not pretend to entertain
— as we have neither space or other requisites —

Therefore in asking the favor of your company we
pray you to be afsured of a welcome but an entirely
social dinner —

Very cordially

Yours ever

C. LeRoy Webster.
Wednesday EvS

May I be allowed my dear Mrs Madison to ask your
acceptance of some West India preserves just recd from
my nephews in Cuba selected by them & of the choice
kind.

With great regard
ever yours

C. LeRoy Webster.
Saturday

My dear Mrs Madison

Mr & Mrs James King of New York are now here
arrived last af. I desire an introduction to you — May
I be permitted to introduce them & at what hour is the
mors most agreeable to you shall we call James G. King
is the son of Rufus King whom you have doubtlefs

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

known in former days when he was here in congress —
Mrs King was a Mifs Gracie of New York daughter of
Archibald Gracie a distinguished & wealthy merchant
My kind regards to Mifs Legare & Anne &
Be afsured of my sincere regard

C. LeRoy Webster.
Saturday Mors

My dear M" Madison

I send you a few pens & with them the necefsary ac-
companiments which I pray you to accept.

You will excuse I trust the liberty I have taken in
combining these articles for writing, but enjoying the
convenience of all these things around me & knowing
that you often make your friends happy by sending
them your autograph I have ventured to send the seal to
prevent theft &c.

With great regard
always

C. LeRoy Webster
Friday Mors

To Mrs. Webster.

Wonder not sweet One that I find a resemblance to
thee in my bright new pen — but how much more doth
thy likenefs appear as I look upon this fair unblemished
paper — It reflecteth only thee in my imagination where
thou art fixed as with a seal.

D. P. Madison.
July 23<1 42.

Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Webster:

Augt 25th 42.—

I thank you dear Friend for remembering me, in your
busy moment of preparation to depart — believe me, I
am grieved that my journey will be in the opposite direc-
tion to that of one, I so love and respect as yourself —

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

but my sorrow is tempered by high hopes of meeting
you here again, in perfect health, and I trust that such
too will be the fortune of your estimable Husband —
whose happinefs must be augmented at the termination
of his good work, in forming our Treaty.

May every blef sing attend you !

Anna offers you affectionate adieux and we unite in
bidding them to Miss Fletcher. —

My dear Mrs Madison

I am going to drive this mors at !/2 twelve for the
first time & I feel a desire to see you once more will you
allow me to ask you to acompany me if you have no
other engagement — Yours with great regard ever

D. Webster.
Thursday

Alexander Baring, Lord Ashburton, was the son of
Francis Baring, a king merchant. He came as a mer-
cantile emissary and negotiated a matrimonial alliance
with Miss Bingham, the daughter of the prominent Phila-
delphian, William Bingham. He became the master
mind of Baring Brothers & Co. London. He came
again to the United States ; the second time as the special
ambassador because of his knowledge of American
things and his pacific policy. He with Mr. Webster
concluded, August 9, 1842, the Ashburton Treaty, de-
fining the boundary between Canada and Maine, deter-
mining the suppression of the slave trade and the extra-
dition of fugitives from justice.

Lord Ashburton lived in (now) the Coleman Mansion,
1525 H street, and Mr. Webster, in (now) the Corcoran
Mansion, 1611 H street. It is said that the diplomatic
checkers were played either at one or other of these his-

320

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

toric houses;* but Mrs. Madison lived close by, H and
the President's Square, and it was around her hospitable
table and to the encouragement of her smiles, the game
progressed to drawn victory. Master Slaughter, a
grandnephew, was there, and his wondering eyes, not
much higher than the table, were in close range with the
maps spread out. Master Slaughter when a man was
James E. Slaughter, a Brigadier-General, provisional
service, in the Confederate Army.f

Mrs. Madison to
Honble Mr Marcy
Secretary of War

Will Gov. Marcy permit me to present to him Mr
James Edwin Slaughter — lately a student from the Mili-
tary Academy in Lexington, Virginia — He is very soli-
citous to enter the Army & to manifest his zeal in the
cause of war — He bears with him letters of recommen-

*Immediately west of the house in which Sumner died and ad-
joining St. John's Church, on the east, is the great double house,
the walls of which are veneered with stucco, painted with remark-
ably close resemblance to brownstone. The house was built by
Matthew St. Clair Clarke, who was from 1822 to 1834, the Clerk of
the House of Representatives. When Lord Alexander Baring Ash-
burton was sent to the United States in 1842 by Sir Robert Peel to
take up the unsettled condition of the Northeastern Boundary ques-
tion, it was this house which became his residence. Much of the
negotiation between the representatives of the two governments,
which led to the final agreement between them, was conducted there
and it may be that the treaty itself was signed there. * * * Dan-
iel Webster was then Secretary of State, and, as a token of the
pleasant relations between the two statesmen, Webster named one
of his sons for Lord Ashburton. For his part in the treaty achieve-
ment Lord Ashburton was accorded in both Houses of Parliament,
a complimentary vote of thanks, and an earldom was offered him,
which he, however, declined. — Historic Washington Homes. Hal
H. Smith.

fRelated by General Slaughter to Hon. Hannis Taylor.

321

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

dation — but being young in knowledge he insists upon
my writing also — which I do

With great respect & esteem

October 14th 1842.
To Genl Peyton

Your touching expressions of care for your friend,
will always be remembered by her — as well as your
valued regard of past years.

On the subject of Montpellier I have had but one wish,
and intention, — it is to retain it, during my life and then,
to leave it to my son with one thousand acres of land
attached to it. Montpellier has been proposed for by a
gentleman of your City, with whom I have not a per-
sonal acquaintance, but a very high respect, Mr Moncure
and should I ever sell or rent, I might feel bound to
allow him the first offer — I gave away, & sold some of
the tract belonging to Montpellier which gave rise to
reports.

I returned home in fine health but becoming a nurse
to my household I soon imbibed the prevailing epidemic
sorethroat and still feel the effects tho' slight — lassitude
&c which causes me to curtail my letter.

With every good wish for you and yours,

D. P. Madison.*

You will be pleased to write me
on any subject and at any time.
(To General Bernard Peyton,)
Richmond.

Marian Gouveneur, of her Recollections, has :

During the winter of 1842 James Gordon Bennett
took his bride, who was Miss Henrietta Agnes Crean of
New York, to Washington on their wedding journey.
As this season had been unusually severe, great distress

^Letter in possession of Honorable Alexander B. Hagner, former
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia.

322

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

prevailed, and a number of society women organized a
charity ball for the relief of the destitute. It was given
under the patronage of Mrs. Madison (the ex-Presi-
dent's widow), Mrs. Samuel L. Gouverneur (my hus-
band's mother), Mrs. Benjamin Ogle Tayloe (Julia
Maria Dickinson of Troy, New York), and other society
matrons, and, as can readily be understood, was a finan-
cial as well as a social success. Tickets were eagerly
sought, and Mr. Bennett applied for them for his wife
and himself. At first he was refused, but after con-
sideration Mrs. Madison and Mrs. Gouverneur of the
committee upon invitations granted his request on con-
dition that no mention of the ball should appear in the
columns of the Herald. Mr. Bennett and his wife ac-
cordingly attended the entertainment, where the latter
was much admired and danced to her heart's content.
Two days later, however, much to the chagrin and in-
dignation of the managers, an extended account of the
ball appeared in the Herald*

With trembling hand, Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Lear
writes :

February 9. (1843?)

Your last letter my beloved Friend was acceptable and
precious to me. It was a proof of your kind partiality
in the forgivenefs of my silence — and it contained the
best of wishes which must ever hover over my memory
— "those consolations which this world can neither give
nor take away" may the amiable sister who breathed this
wish for me in like manner be blefsed.

Finding on my return that the fortunes of an Ab-
sentee threatened me I determined to remain here "to
direct the storm" and have no doubt of an agreeable
result. A pleasant family desire to rent half the Mont-
pellier house to which I may consent and deliver myself
of cares and trouble — when this is consummated I will

*As I Remember. Recollections of American Society during the
Nineteenth Century.

323

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

come to you — In the meantime I will often communi-
cate with you and always be near you in spirit and in
truth.

Your affectionate

D. P. Madison.

Mrs. Madison in the letter, September 2, 1837, rela-
tive to the visit to the White Sulphur Springs mentions
the benefit to her disordered eyes. With the changes
from impairment to improvement and improvement to
impairment it was a continual net loss. It was a severe
strain on her eyes to keep pace with an extensive corre-
spondence and to gratify the album folks with sentiments
original with her or otherwise originated. That she
might have escape from this tax or that her correspon-
dents and those who wished to treasure the tracing of
her hand might have specimens of neat penmanship and
a true index of her yet youth fulness she resorted to a
delicate deception. This deception dates approximately
from 1836. Some one, and it must have been nieces or
other relatives, imitated her hand with remarkable skill
and indeed it takes an expert to detect the difference.
In the last years Mrs. Madison's hand was tremulous
while the dainty notes and choice sentiments which ema-
nated from her were in fine chirography. However, all
the emanations have her real autograph.

From her nephew, Richard D. Cutts :

Washington City— Sept 26th 1843.

My Dear Aunt —

Your kind letter with Anne's has been received — being
in your own handwriting, it was an afsurance of your
recovered & recovering health —

R. D. C.

324

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

John Sioussat, the Madison's "faithful domestic," in
after years kindly served Mrs. Madison in the care of
her "little establishment" at Washington — the Dolly
Madison house — during her absence. These services
were as late as 1843 as he writes:*

Washington, November 15, 1843.
Dear Madam

I received your letter last week enclosing fifteen dol-
lars. I enclose you the bills of the slater and glacier
they are both paid I hope soon to have the pleasure to
see you in Washington I wish to know if you have any
further commands for me before your arrival here, if
you have please to send me word and I will execute
them

I am respectfully

Your obedient servant

John Sioussat

Mrs. Madison,

I take the liberty of addressing you to have if you
will grant me the favor of taking your likeness, fearing
at the same time that one entirely unknown to you is
scarcely justified in presuming upon your well known
obliging kindness and knowing that you have so fre-
quently been solicited for the privilege that it must have
become an irksome task to sit to an artist of much more
celebrity than myself. I send for your inspection a
fancy piece which has just been completed that you my
dear Madam may judge somewhat of my ability. I am
but a Tyro in the art but have a great desire to perfect
myself.

Most respectfully yours

E. Milligan
Friday

Dec. 15t (1843).

*The First Master of Ceremonies of the White House. John H.
McCormick, M.D.

325

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Philadelphia, Dec: 23. 1843
A Merry Christmas to you, and a happy new year and
many returns of them to you, my dear cousin and may
you live to enjoy a ripe old age, and as long as life may
be desirable, is my anxious wish and ardent prayer.
These good wishes, if I mistake not the arrangements
of the mail, will be recd by you in good time on Christ-
mas morning. * * *

I have therefore only time now to add that we often
refer to & talk of the enjoyments we had during our
charming visit to you last Oct1" — your & cousin Ann's
kind reception & treatment of us, have made impref sions
on the children which they will never lose a recollection :
They talk now of things that then occurred, as if they
had occurred yesterday. The hickory stick horse, which
that impudent & forward fellow Derritt (our driver)
cut for Edward, he brought all the way home, & has it
yet — he calls it his "Madison Horse," & rides it when-
ever he can.

* * *

To Mrs Madison Edward Coles

To Mrs. Madison:

My beloved Friend

I welcome you home to Washington with all my heart
— and must hope very soon to have the pleasure of em-
bracing you.

I am sure you will be please to hear that I have made
a visit at last, to our friends, Mrs. Hull and Mrs Rush —
will tell you about them, and of Philadelphia when we
meet — My love if you please to dearest Annie — and may
I ask you my dear friend to forward the enclosed letter
to Mrs Wingate? She sent me one under the frank of
a member of Congrefs — but I cannot make out the
name —

With all my love and devoted attachment
believe me ever your own

26th December 1843 R D- Lear

326

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The letter that follows is from the wife of the faith-
ful domestic, John Sioussat. That Mrs. Madison was
loved by the high and humble, by the prosperous and by
the poor, by all without the distinctions that people make
is shown in the letter as in others.

Washington January 1 1844
to Mrs Madison

Lady I am allmost a stranger to you but you have
been a kind friend to my husband the urbanity and con-
descension with which you have all ways treated him
emboldens me to say a few words to you on the present
occasion the commencement of a new year Lady you
stand so highly exalted you occupy so preeminent a sta-
tion in society you are so dear and so beloved by all
your friends a love which you owe lefs to your high
rank than to your amiable and engaging manners to wish
you a happy new year seems to be a mere form you who
are both good and great must be ever happy but the
blessing of the Allmighty God the King on his throne
and the peasant in his humble cot stand alike in need of
it and may this blefsing rest on you and all who are
dear to you may you see many returns of this day and
may each succeeding year be crowned with health peace
and joy may you long very long yet continue the centre
of a brilliant circle and when at last ful of years and
honor you shall descend into the tomb and your Spirit
shall return to your Creator.

May you meet every whom you hold dear
For the bright regions of eternal peace

There then to live throughout undying years

Where every tear is dried where care and anguish
cease.

Lady there are many who will pay you the compli-
ments of the day they are entitled by their rank to so
for they move in the highest sphere but none can wish

327

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

you more fervently happinefs than your humble and
obedient servant julia C Sioufsa

New Year's Day 1844
To Mrs. Madison

I chose to be always before you, my beloved friend,
though I don't believe one word that "out of sight I
shall be out of mind" with you, but I wish to use no
opportunity or leave none unimproved of deserving your
kindness as well as to enjoy it as I do. May very many
returns of this day find you in health & happiness, &
prosperity as universally beloved as you are: & though
melancholy circumstances prevent me enjoying this day
with the zest I would otherwise do, yet believe me among
the mercies & comforts I have the passed year enjoyed,
I number my present situation, being not only a friend
& guest in your house, but feeling myself once more at
home with one like a mother & to whom I hope I shall
ever prove myself a worthy daughter.
Ever & sincerely affte

your Mary S. Legare.

This, from the daughter of the Captain. She, when
Miss Tingey, with Mrs. Tingey, her mother, welcomed
in ways and words, Mrs. Madison, to Washington.

Windsor JanY 3, 1844.
Mrs Madison

* * * You do not know with what real pleasure I
heard of you last summer on my visit to your city.
Time, I understand passes gently o'er your brow, as if
your virtues should still be enshrined, in bright & ac-
ceptable beauty. * * *

Wishing your life may glide on in happiness & health
& futurity bring its rich reward, believe me my dear
Mrs Madison as sincerely as ever

Your respectful — affectionate

Margaret G. T. Wingate*

*Miss Margaret Gay Tingey married Joseph Ferdinand Wingate,
November 29, 1908.

328

MRS. MADISON

By Fleming

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The Daily Globe. Monday, January 8, 1844:

Mr. Saunders submitted a resolution, as follows: —
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi yielding to allow it to be
offered :

Resolved, unanimously, That a committee be ap-
pointed on the part of this House to wait on Mrs. Mad-
ison, and to assure her that, whenever it shall be her
pleasure to visit the House, she be requested to take a
seat within the Hall.

He moved this resolution in consequence of having
seen Mrs. Madison in the gallery.

The resolution was agreed to : and it was ordered that
Mr. Saunders and Mr. Charles J. Ingersoll be the said
committee.

Mrs. Madison:

Permit me to thank you Gentlemen, as the Com-
mittee on the part of the House of Representatives, for
the great gratification you have conferred upon me this
day by the delivery of the favor from that Honorable
Body allowing me a seat within its Hall. I shall be
ever proud to recollect it, as a token of their remem-
brance, collectively and individually, of one who has
gone before us.

Washington, Jany 9th 1844.

Mrs. Todd, Dolly's sister Lucy, in a letter a little while
previous to that quoted as delicately intimates that it is
a "consummation devoutly to be wished" that the fair
visitor and "the Colonel," (Payne's military title) would
make a life alignment. In this Lucy discloses that she
like Dolly believed in matches made on earth.

Miss Mary S. L'Egare was a visiting companion of
Mrs. Madison during the social season of 1843'4. She

329

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

was popular and talented especially was her talent with
"instruments, that made melodious chime." Her brother,
Hugh Swinton L'Egare, was of the national law-makers,
Attorney-General and Secretary of State. Her cousin,
James L'Egare, was strong in her affections. Their
home was Charleston, S. C.

Jany 5th 1844
My dear Sister

I am happy to hear of your safe arrival at Wash-
ington & much grieved tp hear of poor couisin Sally's
helplefs state of health & sincerely hope your expecta-
tions of her recovery may be realized. — I have no doubt
your visit was greeted with much pleasure — I hope you
left dear Payne well — Mifs Legare, I have no doubt will
be an agreeable accefsion to your society in Washington
— the high estimation in which the memory of her
brother is held & her own intrinsic worth, will make her
a great pet & favorite at the great Metropolis, what a
happy occurrence, my dear sister, it would be, to make
her a member of your family. I presume your acquain-
tances were delighted to meet with you again & I hope
you find every thing presaging a happy ifsue to the
object of your visit — it would please me much to hear of
your succefs & I would rather suppose that the present
would be a very favorable time for making the offer of
your papers — Congrefs, being, at this time, engaged in
nothing of importance — tho' the feeling of retrenchment
& economy may operate somewhat agst you & I am
inclined to think that this Congrefs will pause long be-
fore it will pafsively receive any attack upon its liber-
ality— It would afford me always pleasure to hear how
you are advancing in that businefs as well as in any
other. I can afsure you, my dear sister, that nothing
distrefses me more than the existence of any thing like
family feuds. Wm seems conscious of having givenno
cause of offence, & considers it a great piece of im-
pertinence in Louisa's meddling in his businefs, of which,

330

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

she is as ignorant as the man in the moon, & dissemina-
ting thro' the world reports which she collects from
negroes & others, who are no better. Ever your affec-
tionate sister

Lucy P. Todd

Mrs. Todd's husband, Judge Todd, died at Frankfort,
Kentucky, February 7, 1826.

To the Committee of the Whig Citizens of the City
& County of Philadelphia.

Washington, Feb. 8th 1844.
Gentlemen :

I pray you to accept my best thanks for the polite in-
vitation to celebrate with you the happy occasion of
glory & prosperity to our Country in the birth of Wash-
ington— with my regrets that I cannot have that pleasure
added to my gratification at the exprefsion of your ven-
eration for the memory of my sainted husband.
With good wishes and great respect

D. P. Madison.

To Mefs" Conrad
Riddle
Reid

Hanna &
Thomas

To Mrs. Madison:

If I understood the servant aright Mrs. Madison was
kind enough to consent to my desire to take her likeness.
If she will do me the favor to intimate any time when it
would be agreeable for me to call upon her she will very
much oblige

Very respectfully

her obt. Serv1

E. Milligan.
To Miss Milligan :

Mrs. Madison respects to Miss Milligan to whom she
owes an apology for not complying with her wishes be-

331

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

fore this, which she hopes will be accepted now, with
her proposal that Miss M. will come on Thursday next
at 11 o'clock.
Feby 26th 44.

Afton, Feby 27, 1844
My dear Madam

Words are but feeble auxiliries to express the grate-
ful emotions of my Heart ! when informed by my son,
of the kind, & generous treatment which he had received
at your hands ; Children are the Keys — which unlock the
Parents Heart ! — the emotions of which — like the blef sed
spirit of our divine Redeemer, can only described by
those who have felt its heavenly influences.

My sons description of his pleasing intercourse with
you, in Washington, brought to my mind many dormant
reflections — it placed in review gone-by days, when each
returning summer, witnessed the neighboring families
convening at old Auburn for the purpose of gathering
around the hospitable board with their Chief-Magistrate,
and his Lady — and well do I remember, tho but a child,
how highly I prised, the tender carefses, the bland, the
generous, courtesy of the loved, the admired Mrs. Mad-
ison ! and happy, thrice happy should I be to have it in
my power, to make some acknowledgments, under my
own roof, of the renewed obligations I feel myself under,
and if Mrs. Madison will do us the favor, to call, and
spend a few weeks, on her return from the seat of Gov-
ernment, no stimulous to exertion should be wanting to
render her save pleasant and happy : indeed I should love
to talk with you, of olden times, I should love to talk of
your Mother, who was so intimate with mine — and of
dear old Mrs Winston whose memory I love to cherish :
I should like to hear what has become of Mrs Cutts fam-
ily, particularly her daughter Dolly — and your brother
John where is he, and his Canadian Lady who use to
visit us from Mr Armsteads, My son tells me you have
a very interesting niece with you, who I presume is his
daughter, we should be happy to see her with you, and

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

if you will afford me, these gratifications my son will
meet you with our carriage when you may choose to
direct.

Your Old, but in all probability
forgotten friend

Emily Bradford once known

to you as Emily Slaughter

February 28, 1844 was the direful catastrophe, the
bursting of the mammoth gun, The Peacemaker, on
board of the United States ship, The Princeton, under
the command of Captain Stockton, instantly killing Abel
P. Upshur, Secretary of State, Thomas W. Gilmer, Sec-
retary of the Navy, Captain Beverly Kennon, U. S. N.,
Chief of the Bureau of Construction and Equipment, Vir-
gil Maxey, Charge d'Affaires at Belgium, David Gardiner,
ex-Senator of New York and some of the crew and
maiming others. From Alexandria the ship had descen-
ded the river fourteen or fifteen miles and on the return
opposite Fort Washington was the calamity. The guests
numbered four hundred, many of whom were women
and of them not one was injured. Mrs. Madison was
of the guests. She relieved the injured and sympathized
with the bereaved. As the report spread friends gathered
at her house and her return was the assurance they
sought. She never heard mention of the affair without
blanching cheeks.

The four were laid in state at the President's house.
There was a public funeral. Also were there official
announcements and general cessation of business and
every mark of respect.

In the long accounts in the papers not a sailor's name
appears as fatally or otherwise wounded. Miss Payne
did not overlook the oversight.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

From Mrs. Madison and Miss Annie Payne to Miss
Theodosia Davis:

Washington, March 22d 1844.

I am very sensible of a delinquency towards you my
very dear Theodosia but not in my thoughts or affections
so that you must forgive me as it has proceeded from a
too constant round of occupation and an inflamed eye
which has interfered with my writing to many others of
my best friends for a long time past — however I will
refer you to Anna who has much to say to you — after
my tender Adieus for the present.
Please to wear the enclosed ring — the
gold of which, came from a mine in my
Virginia neighborhood.

You must first let me tell you how delighted Aunt was
with your nice little present — too nice for the purpose
you intended my dear Mifs Davis! but which she will
keep & prize them for your sake. Lieut. Blake was
polite enough to deliver it with your letter and / ought
long since to have acknowledged them for her for it has
not been in Aunt's power to do so. * * *

Washington is beginning to throw aside the gloom
which has overshadowed it since that sad catastrophe on
board the Princeton — Judge Upshur, Gov. Gilmer, &
Mr. Gardiner's families have all left and Mrs. Kennon
has gone to her mother's in Geo. town. — Mrs. Maxey's
daughter a resident here. The suffering of the poor
seamen seemed forgotten in the sympathies extended to
the bereaved of their conspicuous men. Capt. Stockton
I see is your City — He can never recover from the re-
membrance of that fatal day. My Aunt was on Board
— but fortunately clown below. It will be long before
she loses sight of that scene tho' she was spared the

horrors on Deck.

* * *

Yr Affte fd

A. P.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Philadelphia 21 March | 44.
My dear Mrs. Madison

After a very pleasant ride to Baltimore on Tuesday
afternoon, I passed a most agreeable day at the Exchange
Hotel, in company with some agreeable Bostonians
whose acquaintance I soon made, by playing upon a very
good instrument some of my most captivating pieces,
among which, was dear Anne's favorite March in the
Caravan. The day after as I intended we sat out under
a cloudy sky, had an hours hard rain, & at y2 after 3
o'clock reached this goodly city of Penn memory. I
found it very much improved & apparently increased
coming in on the Western side I could judge pretty well
of this last fact) since I was here in 1 34. * * *
Young Morris is really a very pleasing gentlemanly per-
son, quite handsome, & in manner & smiles reminds me
of Walter Davidge & my far away cousin James
L'Egare whom Mrs. Morris knows. * * * Give
my dear love to Anne, tell her though I did not require
anything to remind me of her, yet that ring choses to
turn round & round (being much too large) as much

as to say don't forget or "dinna forgit" her.
* * *

With my love to Mary Cutts — I remain my dear Mrs
M. your affte friend

M. S. L'Egare

Mrs. Madison to Miss L'Egare:

Wash : March 23d 44

I rec'd your welcome letter my dr Miss L late last
night & this morng cheered our sweet Cathe with one
for herself & sister. The girls are perfectly well &
promise to dine with us to-morrow. I requested that
they would write you as soon as possible & send me
their letter I will forward.

I rejoice at your safe arrival in Phila & at the satis-
faction which seems to flow upon you from what you
have seen there already — may no disappointment lurk

335

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

there or anywhere else for you! Our friends the Spen-
cers are well, & I have sent your kind remembrances to
the Davidge's thro' their son.

Your Mr. Morris came to enquire for tidings of you
yesterday, but he was too early for the mail, & the regale
I have in store for him your approbation of his grand-
son is yet in store.

sfi. *f. 2|C

Mrs. Madison to Miss L'Egare:

Pts Sq: Apl 15th 44.

Sir Rd Pakenham is established in Mr. Webster's
dwelling and we find him an agreeable gentleman as well
as our new Secty Mason who with his family are in
Mrs. Stewart's House.

Mrs. Madison to John Young Mason, Secretary of
the Navy:

Permit me dear friend to introduce to you a very fine
young man my connection James Todd — who is very
desirous to see you who are so high in the estimation of
all — It is merely his great respect for you which induces
me to take the liberty he covets of placing his name
before you.

John Canfield Spencer married the daughter of James
Scott Smith of New York city. He came to Washing-
ton in 1807, carrying for the electoral college its vote.
He made the acquaintance of Mr. Madison "which
through life was profitable to both parties."

Lucien Brock Proctor says :

As a writer he aimed at no graces of language or
ornamented diction, and yet his style was of almost
crystalline purity — of inherent dignity, and replete with-
out learning.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. Spencer was the aggressive member of Tyler's
Cabinet.

Nathan Sargent in his Public Men and Events says :

Spencer was a man of great abilities, industry, and
endurance, curt manners, and irascible temper. * * *
It is but just to say of him that he rendered the country
important service in the Treasury Department, which he
administered with an ability, assiduity, integrity, and
faithfulness seldom equaled since the days of Hamilton.

The Spencers lived in 14 Jackson Place — the Sickles
house. It is associated with tragedy.

Washington May 20, 1844
My dear Madam

Will you excuse the liberty taken by Mrs Spencer and
myself in sending you some choice old Sherry, in which
we would ask you to pledge us in commemoration of this
return of your birthday?

Allow us to express our fervent prayers for as many
returns of the same anniversary as shall bring you hap-
piness, and that to the last they may be crowned with
blef sings like those you have scattered on all around you,
giving you that peace and comfort here which are a
foretaste of the joys received for "the pure in heart."
Gratefully and truly

Your friend & serv*

J. C. Spencer
Mrs. Madison

I have always been moved by your united goodnefs
towards me, my very friends Mr & Mrs Spencer and
have as often enquired of myself by what merit I could
have elicited such a distinction — My conclusion has been
that it proceeded only from the pure, the upright, the
tender hearts, with which I have been favored to com-
mune— this will ever be as it is now, my pride and con-

337

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

solation. Your fine old Wine I hope to taste with you
and yours tomorrow evening — It will be nectar to your
affectionate

D. P. Madison —
May 20th 1844.

Washington May 22d 44.

I wrote you my dear the day before yesterday — I
again take the pen so soon after my last to tell you that
our friends Dromgoole & John Y. Mason came to see
me yesterday about the papers saying that many were
anxious to vote me the amount with which I would be
satisfied could I name it — I was at a lofs from delicacy
& a want of knowledge what to name —

They mentioned the sum for the Debates but I did not
reply farther — hoping to obtain an answer from you to
my late letters in which I wished you to advise — they
wanted the letter explaining the reasons for the Veto on
the Bank — after adhering long to a contrary opinion —
Will you now tell me if I should. let the Committee see
that explanatory letter and what other letters I had best
shew them as specimens of the writings and the sum
expected for them — stereotype, & all — what to say of
Copyright —

They and others advise that the sale of these papers
should be consummated "in my time" and during this
sefsion — I have given no direct answer but told them
I wanted you here to act for me, and to enlighten me
as to one more point whether they could have the letters
or some of them to Mr M.

Now my dear Son will you say at once what you
think best to these particular questions. — They seem to
dwell on the $30,000 as if that was the proper sum, with-
out absolutely expressing it — but I must speak now as
they are impatient to have some data — You know J. Y.
Mason by character — he is kindly directed to my cause.
Oh, that you my beloved were fixed in all things, to co-
operate with me — I will not say to act solely, for me

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

because, I had become the object of interest, and lefs
would be done without me. This is one of the oppor-
tunities so seldom allowed, wherein it is proper for per-
sons to speak well of Themselves, and I therefore have
& will repeat to you these facts as necefsary to be taken
into view. — I want your reply a few days — five — Your
last sd nothing in answer to my 6 last — Rd Smith applied
thro Ballard — can you settle it — or can you remit any
to me & when
To John P. Todd.

While all but submerged in the sea of difficulty, Mrs.
Madison maintained a calm and even cheerful exterior
and indeed while buffeting with her own troubles she
reached a helping hand to all she could help.

Friday forenoon, May 24, 1844, Morse's Electro-
Magnetic Telegraph was put into operation. At the
Capitol, in Washington, in the office of the Clerk of the
House of Representatives, was a telegraphic apparatus
and the other in the third story of the warehouse of the
railroad depot in Pratt between Charles and Light streets,
Baltimore. In Baltimore, a large number of guests
"were present to see the operations of this truly aston-
ishing contrivance." The names sent down were re-
turned plainly written before the lapse of half a minute.
To the inquiry "What is the time" came from the Cap-
itol "Forty nine minutes past eleven;" and to, "How
many persons are spectators to the telegraphic experi-
ments at Washington?" came, "Sixteen." The first
message was What hath God wrought by Miss Annie
G. Ellsworth, daughter of Henry Leavett Ellsworth,
Commissioner of Patents and a granddaughter of the
Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth. Mrs. Madison's reply
to a friend was ready and happy.* The newspaper ac-

*Miss Fanny Maury Burke, of Alexandria, Va.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

count concludes "This indeed is the annihilation of
space."*

John Bryan, from Charleston, S. C, May 28, 1844,
to Mrs. Madison writes a letter acknowledging the kind-
ness and hospitality in taking care of his motherless
children.

Mrs. Thornton's Diary:

Wednesday. June 5*h 1844. My old friend M™ S.
Harrison Smith was struck with apoplexy this morning
about 5 o'clock —

on thursday she departed this Life — to the great regret
of relatives — friends — & acquaintances — She was uni-
versally & deservedly esteemed by all who had any inter-
course with her —

The slaves lived contentedly, as a rule, it is believed.
But the slave families were under a threatening cloud —
the threat of disruption. It was almost inevitable that
reverse in finance or settlement of estate would some-
times cause sales and consequent separation — husband
from wife, parent from child. It was the curse inci-
dent to slavery. Because of the financial embarrass-
ment of Mrs. Madison her slaves had been by process
of law seized and the sheriff's last act was closely im-
pending. Because of the coming calamity, a negro edu-
cated to write, for the slaves besought Mrs. Madison's
help to the extent she could extend it. The appeal was
natural and unsensationally sentenced. It could not

*The Baltimore Patriot, Saturday afternoon, May 25, 1844.
See Life and Times of Anne Royall — Sarah Harvey Porter, p.
190. Souvenir of My Time — Jessie Benton Fremont.

340

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

otherwise than distress the whole-hearted, tender-hearted
proprietress. Mrs. Madison thought of human chattels
as human creatures. She visited her slaves ; she made
for them; she prescribed for them. She knew that the
black-hued had emotions like unto those of the more
fortunately hued. She planned amusements for them;
gave them relaxation from their labor; provided com-
fortable cottages with plots for flowers and vegetables;
and when age crept up, retired them to pass the remnant
of their days in restfulness.

The embarrasment of Mrs. Madison is not accounted.
It has been charged to her son's failings but he was
always trying. It may be chargeable to crop failure or
repeated failures of productiveness;* more likely it was
her failure in the management of a plantation. She
had sold a part of Montpellier. The slaves' appeal
nerved her to further sacrifice to avert human suffering
and she parted with the remainder including the
mansion.

Orange July 5th 1844.
My Miftrefs

I don't like to send you bad news but the condition of
all of us your servants is very bad, and we do not know
whether you are acquainted with it. The sheriff has
taken all of us and says he will sell us at next court un-
lefs something is done before to prevent it — We are
afraid we shall be bought by what are called negro buyers

*Mr. Jefferson to Mr. Madison, February 17, 1826: "But the
long succession of years of stunted crops, of reduced prices, the
general prostration of the farming business under levies for the
support of manufacturers, etc., with the calamitous fluctuations of
value of our paper medium, have kept agriculture in a state of
abject depression, which has peopled the western States by silently
breaking up those on the Atlantic; and glutted the land market,
while it drew off its bidders."

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

and sent away from our husbands and wives. If we are
obliged to be sold perhaps you could get neighbors to
buy us that have husbands and wives, so as to save us
some misery which will in a greater or lefs degree be
sure to fall upon us at being separated from you as well
as from one another. We are very sure you are sorry
for this state of things and we do not like to trouble you
with it but think my dear mistrefs what our sorrow
will be. The sale is only a fortnight from next monday
but perhaps you could make some bargain with some-
body by which we could be kept together. * * *

Sarah

To Mrs. Madison:
My dear Friend

I send to enquire how you are today, & most es-
pecially about your poor eyes — I trust the inflammation
has subsided — & that you are quite well — I am anticipat-
ing the pleasure of seeing yourself & dear Anna with
me tomorrow — to pafs the day — if it be agreeable to
yourself — I shall be delighted to realize this long prom-
ised visit —

The bearer will wait your answer — and with my love
for Anna I remain dear friend as ever your devoted

F. D. Lear
Tuesday 6th August — 1844

Washington Aug. 12th 1844.

I have executed and send this day the Indenture &c
according to your request, my kind and respected Friend
— the accuracy of which will I hope be found adequate
to the occasion — I should have enclosed them to my son
a day or two before this but the Secretary of State and
Chief Clerk were absent and I found a difficulty in hav-
ing the seal annexed to them — It is now done and I trust
a blefsing will follow the transaction — to you and to
myself — No one, I think, can appreciate my feeling of
grief and dismay at the necefsity of transferring to
another a beloved home.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

I have exprefsed to Payne my readiness to return for
a short time in order to afsist in the arrangements of the
household contents which must be in confusion some of
which I wish to retain.

I have told him also that you and himself would place
as much money to my credit in Bank as was consistent
with the engagements you have mutually concluded —
taking in view of course the sum you were so good as
to loan me when I saw you last.

I wish also to retain some few of the black people but
cannot designate them at this time — I would write more
in order to elicit more from you on the interesting sub-
ject which still troubles us but that I am yet very much
indisposed.

Annie offers you her affectionate remembrances and
thanks for yours.

D. P. Madison.
To Henry W. Moncure, Esq :
Richmond
Virginia.

After the execution and before the delivery of the
deed, Mr. Moncure became convinced that Mrs. Madison
was parting with Montpellier with reluctance ; he learned
that the prospects were propitious for the sale of the
Madison letters to the general government and by inter-
view with the party holding the largest lien that he de-
sired only the payment of the interest, and with true
Virginia chivalry asked Mrs. Madison to be frank and
to say if she wished to cancel the sale and declared if
yes, he would restore with ready cheerfulness on his
part and without reproach on hers to restore all rights
and privileges, the same as if the subject had never been
canvassed. His letter, August 31, 1844.

Washington Sepf 3d 1844.

I have received dear Friend your generous and con-
siderate proposals, and I thank you for them — I will not

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

however take such latitude in the advantage you offer
me, as to annul the arrangements you concluded with my
son — I had made up my mind to them, when I sent the
Deed, and I hope that your mutual proceedings since, are
satisfactory to you both as they appeared to myself so
far as I understood the minutia of them that I should be
permitted to choose some few of the Negroes, and some
of the furniture and to retain the family Burial place —

Pray excuse this brief answer to your last of 1 am

not well eno : to add more at present than my respectful
regards to which Anna's are cordially added.

D. P. Madison.
To Mr Moncure
Richd.

The first deed to Mr. Moncure for a part of the Mont-
pellier estate is dated November 12, 1842; for the resi-
due, August 1, 1844. The entire estate was 1767 acres.

— This weather dearest seems to forbid my hopes of
pafsing the evening with you and our interesting friends
Mr & Mrs Pynes — I hope however that I may soon see
vou and them at mv house. Anna is better and more
obedient to Dr Sewall this morning — Her love visits you
with mine.

Ever yours
Monday D. P. Madison.

Likely it did not come to Mrs. Madison as she wrote
to them with whom she daily associated four decades
before the sentiment of Dr. Goldsmith that old friends,
old times, old manners, everything that's old is worthy of
loving.

Mrs. Madison to Mr. and Mrs. Gallatin, New York:

Wash. Oct 44
Beloved friends.

I take the liberty to introduce to you the grand-
daughter of Mr. Jefferson & daughter of Mrs. Ran-

344

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

dolph of Monticello, who was in her life so dear to us.
Mrs Meikleham who will hand you this is desirous to
settle in N. Y. with her husband who proposes to prac-
tice among his peers of good physicians — They are lately
from the Havana where he was considered very able &
respectable. I hope they will find you both in best health
& in the remembrance of your ever affte

My dear Mrs Madison

It is a fine day, for having your likenefs taken, the
sun is not so bright as to effect your eyes, & yet suf-
ficiently so, for the purpose, I hope you feel well enough
to ride up with me this morning, but unlefs you are
quite well, and entirely disposed to do so, I beg my dear
Mrs Madison you will not allow your amiable nature to
overcome your inclinations, for my gratification, as any
other time will do as well — about 12 o'clock is a good
time to go, tho your own convenience shall be con-
sulted— I should like to have you, wear one of your
pretty white turbans, & your neck drefs'd as it was at
Mrs Tayloe's, the other evening, if you please, excuse this
liberty I pray, & believe me most affectionately Yours

E. S. Spencer

Albany, Ocf 27th 1844

My very dear & respected friend

* * *

Little Laura is standing by my side and says, "Grand-
mama tell Mrs Madison I send a kifs to her & Mifs
Payne," poor little soul, she has been very ill with scarlet
fever and is just recovering, with care, I hope to have

her well in a short time.

* * *

E. S. Spencer.

The mortgage of the Washington property — the
Dolly Madison house ; the sale of Montpellier ; the trans-
fer of slaves to a friendly owner — all of these sacrifices

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

were insufficient to lift the heavy burden of debt. To
the dun of the Bank of the Metropolis, by its Cashier,
she offered without complaining to strengthen that cred-
itor's claim, securing to the limit of her resources and
prospects. Mrs. Madison's coffers were empty of coin
yet she was rich in honesty and honor. Mrs. Madison
had learned from experience what Dr. Samuel Johnson,
in a letter, sagaciously says : "It is scarcely to be imagined
to what debts will swell, that are daily increasing by
small additions, and how carelessly in a state of despera-
tion debts are contracted."

Richard Smith was the Cashier of the Bank of the
Metropolis. He resided on Pennsylvania avenue oppo-
site the Treasury building and next door to the bank —
Corcoran and Riggs.

Washington Nov"" 1844.
Dear Sir

I expect in a few days my agent, and will endeavor to
give the Board of trustees satisfactory security for the
loan existing" between the Bank and myself. In the
meantime, I have only to say that my house & lots here
are the only property real, which I pofsefs in the city
and they are encumbered to the amount of 3000$ If
you should deem them sufficiently valuable to bear the
additional burthern. I am willing to enter into this
arrangement immediately and can add to it personal prop-
erty. My furniture & everything of a personal descrip-
tion is free from incumbrances. The last is now en-
sured for 2500$ by the Washington & Georgetown Fire
insurance company. I expect shortly some valuable ser-
vants likewise which will add to my property of this de-
scription here and my agent could transfer it, if required.
I hope shortly during the coming 90 days to be in funds,
if not to pay off the whole considerably to reduce the

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

debt, which the Bank have always so obligingly accom-
modated me with.

with great esteem Dr Sir I am yr's

D. P. Madison.
Richd Smith Esqr

Talent is good and tact is better. Mrs. Madison had
talent and in greater store, the greater gift, tact. She
knew the appreciative effect of saying or writing just
what was wanted. And in advising as a mother her
nephew to do what he wanted to do and to do it quickly
— the act being praiseworthy — heightened his valuation
of her wisdom and strengthened his love for her.
Nothing of insincerity was there in the advice; most
heartily she could have given it; for, the young lady to
come into the family fold was of the family of Jefferson.

Mrs. Madison to her nephew, Richard D. Cutts:

Wash. Oct. 30th 44

I have just now recd yours my very dear Richard &
I hasten to give you freely that which you ask of me
"the advice of a mother," — It is, that you immediately
secure for your life & even after, the lonely one who
has promised you her hand — she who I am persuaded
would be a prize to any man — Why then should delay
obstruct your happinefs, when your father's house tho*
small would be a pleasant abode for a few months at the
end of which, you could take one more ample & suited
to your mutual taste — This is my opinion & my counsel
dear Richard and may Heaven's blefsing follow the pur-
suance of it & strengthen that judgment & pure spirit
which I know lives in your soul.

Your Aunt & constant friend

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Linstid's — near Annapolis —

Novr 1st 1844.
My Dear Aunt —

* * * Let me again afsure you, Dear Aunt, that the
interest you manifest in my plans & wishes affords me
more happinefs than I can exprefs. If Martha has not
wealth — she has a heart & disposition like your own
which win & attract all who come within their influence.
I am sure you will love her.

* * *

Ever your affectionate Nephew

R. D. Cutts.

The mansion had no high-sounding name when Jo-
seph Nourse bought it, 1805. It is the most honorable
in seniority of the structures on the heights of George-
town. It is a part of the tract, the Rock of Dumbar-
ton. Before Mr. Nourse had it, Samuel Jackson had,
and a little between Gabriel Duval, the comptroller of
the currency. It is another of the mansions built of the
brick which came as ballast from England and before
its rebellious colonies declared they "are, and of right
ought to be, Free and Independent States" and even
before the Stamp Act. More exactly it is set down the
mansion was built in 1760. Its park of four and a third
acres did not equal Mr. Nourse's ambition of domain
and to Charles Carroll of Bellevue he sold it and his
(George) town lots (1813) and with the proceeds
bought the site of the future cathedral. Mr. Carroll
gave it his family designation and it is singularly ap-
propriate to the picturesque panorama.

Mr. Carroll was leading in local affairs — financial and
social. With the President and Mrs. Madison, he and
his family were en rapport. Mrs. Madison visited Belle-
vue. It is said in The Ladies of the White House that

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison in her flight first went to Bellevue.
Commodore John Rodgers, for a number of years prior
to 1820 lived there.

Samuel Whitall, formerly of Philadelphia, in 1820,
came permanently to it. Mr. Whitall was of the Friends
and talked in their quaint Ouakerie. "Grandpa Whitall"
leased lands at Mt. Vernon from Bushrod Washington.
To and from there he was drawn by a white horse in an
old two-wheeled gig and to the urchins he passed he
distributed mints from his deep pockets. He never dis-
carded a "blue cut-away coat, with bright brass buttons,
the high stock and ruffled shirt" for the foolish dress
innovations.

Charles E. Rittenhouse came from Philadelphia to
become a banker, the president of the Bank of Com-
merce and of the firm of Rittenhouse, Fowler and Co.
and he came to marry the former Philadelphian's
daughter, the beautiful Sarah Whitall, who inherited the
beautiful home and passed there all her life, the scrip-
tural allotment, three score and ten.

Bellevue is now the residence of its owner, John L.
Newbold, Esq. Its approach is O street east of Twenty-
eighth and Mill street is the eastern boundary.

Somewhat back from the village street
Stands the old-fashion'd country seat.

— Longfellow.

General Uriah Forrest called the large tract he ac-
quired (1788) Rosedale after the Forrest estates in
England. "General Forrest lost a leg at the battle of
Brandywine, and was severely wounded at Germantown,
where he was aide to Washington. Nevertheless he
married, after the war, Rebecca, the beautiful daughter

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of Governor George Plater, of Maryland."* And, "Just
after the war General Forrest was sent on a secret mis-
sion to Germany. On his return he presented his ac-
counts to the Government, saying, 'I am a rich man and
the Government is poor; I will not accept any pay for
my services, but I will keep the account and some day
the Government will be rich and my family may become
poor and then can be paid what is due me.' " The fi-
nancial reversal of country and of citizen came and the
citizen's family has been convinced "republics are un-
grateful." Twice was he in the Continental Congress and
he was the first clerk of the District court and had his
office in one of the "round top" buildings, which were
close by the circle on Pennsylvania avenue and Twenty-
third street.

March 29 (1791). Dined at Colo Forrest's today with
the Commissioners & others. — Washington's Diary.

That day from the porch of Rosedale, the first Presi-
dent looked upon all to be within the bounds of the Fed-
eral City; the evening of that day, he met the landholders
to enter into articles of surrender. At Rosedale, Mrs.
Madison visited the General's descendants, the Greens
and the Iturbides.f

Iron-wrought in the wall is — "Friendship." It is
the country seat of John R. McLean, Esquire, as editor
and elsewise eminent. It is on Wisconsin Avenue, the
ancient road to Frederick Town. The mansion is

*Richard Forrest and His Times. Kate Kearney Henry. Rose-
dale is in Cleveland Park.

tThe original house was erected about 1756; a part remains; a
part of an addition made about 1805 also remains. The main part
or "new house" was erected about 1860. — The Evening Star, Febru-
ary 14, 1914.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

colonial and in color true, buff. It is said to have been
built by George French. French had his town house
in George Town.* His enterprises were large — land
and mercantile. In the settlement, to George, junior,
came the country place, a part of Terra Firma (1813).
He gave it a name suggestive of the garden of para-
dise— Eden Bower. Whether it was a bower in the
sense of a home —

Dear lovely bowers of innocence and ease.

— Goldsmith.

or from the cedars, proud and tall, that lined the
ancient roadway through which vernally carpeted, in
later years the black-robed priests paced as they mur-
mured prayers — cannot be decided. "The monarch
oak," within the boxwood semi-circle, reminds of
Dryden's "patriarch of trees" —

Three centuries he grows, and there he stays
Supreme in state ; and in three more decays.

From the estate of French it went to Thomas S.
Jesup (1839), and from General Jesup to Richard P.
Pile, said to be a retired merchant of Barbadoes
(1843); and from Pile to the Georgetown College.
During the ownership by the college, it was The Villa.
Mr. McLean acquired a part of the adjoining tract
and the name of that tract he gave to both — Friend-
ship. Mrs. Madison visited General and Mrs. Jesup,
Mr. and Mrs. Pile.

*S. W. corner of Bridge (M) and Montgomery (28th) obliterated.

351

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

CHAPTER IX

1845-1847

RS. MADISON was frequently requested for let-
ters of introduction to the Washingtons who lived
at Mount Vernon. Mrs. Madison by her sister
was slightly related ; it was not however the relationship
but a friendship that made Mrs. Madison's introductory
notes passports to the patriotic shrine.

My dear Mrs Washington* will permit me to intro-
duce to her, two of my estimable young friends, Mr
Caldwell and Mr Polk, of the President's family. They
like all other pilgrims to the attractive home of your
ancestor, are anxious for permifsion to see the present
inheritors of that venerated spot.

If my dear niece Christine is with you, give her a
thousand good wishes and loves from Annie and my-
self,— who are impatient to see her good husband and
self, with us in the City — where your promised visit
still lingers in the memory of your friend —

My dear Mrs Washington

Another relative sues to be presented to you, your
son, and daughter, thro me.

J. M. Cutts is the son of my sister and cousin to the
Hare Wood family — you will find him worthy of the
favor he solicits.

Truly yours,

D. P. Madison

Mrs. DeKay who solicited Mrs. Madison's sesame was
the daughter of the gifted poet, Joseph Rodman Drake,
who wrote The American Flag.

*Wife of Col. John Augustine Washington.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Flag of the free heart's hope and home!
By angel hands to valour given!

My dear Mrs. Madison

The Com: & myself called last evening to solicit
from your kind indulgence a letter of introduction to
the family at Mount Vernon — As this morning is so
fine & cool we have determined to avail ourselves of
it & hope it will not be trespassing too much upon your
known kindness to ask a note.
With great respect
Your obt Sev*

Janet H. De Kay

nee Drake

The date of the note introducing Mr. Caldwell and
Mr. Polk is guessed to be about the date of the New
Year's reception, 1845 :

Mr. Polk,* the brother of the President-elect was at
the President's house yesterday. He appeared to be
quite a centre of attraction in the East Room ; and
appeared to be the observed of all observers, particularly
on the part of the fair, whose Eveishness seemed to
be more excited in relation to his whereabouts than
that of the President and other members of his family
who received company in the Elliptic Room.f

In 1856 under the laws of Virginia was organized the
Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union. Miss
Pamelia Cunningham, of Columbia, D. C, was the origi-
nator and the first regent. | The Association in 1858
made the purchase from contributions — $200,000 for
200 A.

*William H. Polk, U. S Charge d'Affaires at Naples.
■fThc Story of the White House. Esther Singleton.
t American Monthly Magazine, Vol. Ill, No. 2.

354

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Boston Tremont House Jany 8-45

To M^ d. P. Madison,
Dear Madam,

I have a book in hand. In giving it to the public,
which I hope to do in the coming Spring, it is my wish
to invest it with all the attraction that I may be able
to bestow upon it. There is so much of this in your
name, as to lead me to ask the privilege of dedicating
one of the divisions of the work to you. Besides, I
shall be gratifying my own heart, by giving utterance,
under this form to the grateful sense it cherishes of
the worth of your illustrious husband, and at the same
time of my obligations to him for the confidence he re-
posed in me in calling me into the public service ; as well
as the remembrance it cherishes of your many, and rich,
and varied excellences. Although, I shall feel that you
will be doing me, and my cause, a great favor by grant-
ing the permifsion I solicit.

* * *

Tho. L. McKenney

Mrs. Madison received letters of all sorts and from all
classes. Of the odd a sample comes next. It is much
abbreviated. Several foolscap sheets are covered with
descriptions of misfortunes which if borne with cheer-
fulness would discount Mark Tapley's credit and if with
patience destroy ancient Job's reputation.

New York Feby 14th 1845
Mrs. Madison,
Dear Madam,

* * * I walked twelve miles in a severe northeast
snow and rain storm, and caught such a cold, in riding
afterwards in an open waggon 27 miles that for 18
months I was confined in Boston, with the rheumatism,
pain in my side, and the severest cough man ever re-
covered from. * * * Since then I have been en-

355

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

gaged in varnishing, and have brought it to a perfec-
tion heretofore unknown. * * * I am anxious to get
to Washington, to varnish the railings round the Presi-
dents House and Capitol, also, the paintings and gilt
frames &c in the White House and Capitol. But this
is but a trifle compared with my desire to promote the
Glorious cause of Temperance! I have been preparing
myself to deliver such an effectual address, before the
Assembled Wisdom of the Nation, in the Capitol, as
I humbly trust will make such an impression on the
Members of Congress, as will induce them to dissemi-
nate the Heavenly Cause throughout this highly favored
land. If possible I intend to deliver my Address, on
a Sunday afternoon and evening the 23d inst. the day
after the celebration of the Birth day of Washington.
I can speak six hours I think on that subject * * *
without fatiguing my audience, having an intermission
of two hours between. With the blessing of Heaven,
and the encouragement of the American people I hope
to become to my own Native Country, what Father
Mathew is to his ! * * * Oh what a scene to be-
hold your noble self, John Quincy Adams, The Presi-
dent & Vice President. Heads of Departments, Presi-
dent and Vice President elect, my old and most esti-
mable Friend General Winfield Scott, Members of Con-
gress and assembled to hear a poor Green Mountain wood
chopper Boy, through the Blessing of God, melting the
great Assemblage into tears ! It would be worthy of
the pencil of a Hogarth, or the pen of a Shakespear.
Our worthy Mayor Harper, & those who have only
heard a small part of what I am prepared with, say

they have never heard the like.

* * *

Benjamin Owen Tyler.

If you have a few dollars to assist, to get my varnish
prepared and get to Washington, I shall be able to re-
turn it to you within thirty days. —

Respectfully yours, &c

B. O. Tyler.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

William Cabell Rives of Virginia represented that
Commonwealth in its councils and it in the councils of
the common country. Twice was he Minister to the court
of France. He was of the Peace Commission and in the
failure of its overtures followed secession. His legal
studies were under Jefferson. Not far from Monticello,
he made his home — Castle Hill, Albemarle county. He
is the author of The Life and Times of James Madison.

Mrs. Rives, Judith Page Walker when a Miss, was tal-
ented. She modestly as "A Lady of Virginia" wrote
Tales and Souvenirs of a Residence in Europe. Mr. and
Mrs. Rives are the grandparents of Amelia Rives, the
famed authoress, whose The Quick and the Dead, is
scened in the ancestral precincts. The Rives lived at 14
Jackson Place.

My dear Mrs. Madison,

I have two special favors to ask, which I hope you
will grant — one to let us have the pleasure of escorting
you to "Nova Zembla" at half past five o'clock, — the
other to dine with us tomorrow, in company with Lord
Morpeth & a few other dignitaries. —
Ever yours most truly

J. P. R.

It was Lord Morpeth who declared that a canvas-duck
was a delicacy worth the crossing of the Atlantic. This is
from a juvenile Rives :

Dear Mrs. Madison

We are very much obliged to you for your nice pres-
ent; but mamma is not at home, she went over to
Alexandria to see Brother Willie who is quite sick. I

357

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

am afraid I will keep Aunt Sue waiting, for I always
take very long to write good bye.
believe me
as ever

Yours

Amelie S. Rives

To Thomas Ritchie, "Father Ritchie," was "open every
ear" for he told the news; he was the proprietor of The
Union. The Ritchies had their hospitable home on G
between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets.

Everybody seem delighted with the Ritchie family as
for myself I am truly so. — * * * I must hasten
to close my letter lest the post shd leave it — but I will
first ask you to remember, & love me a little & to be
afsured that my attachment to you & yours continues
ardent as in the beginning —

D. P. M.

Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott knew of the tri-
umphs of the sea. In command, he was second with
Commodore Perry first, in the battle of Lake Erie; and
he soon after that memorable victory succeeded Perry in
the command of the lake. He was of Decatur's squad-
ron and commanded a sloop of war in the Algerian
affair. His gallantry on the seas was only equalled by
his gallantries to the fair on the land. His letter is de-
ciphered as follows :

Philadelphia Friday
Morning
My Dear Madam

It was not until this day that I could say with cer-
tainty I would be enabled to ask the favor of your
charming nieces hand for one of the many dances she
will have on the 4th March, How much pleasure it
would afford me to be still farther at your order and

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

at her service to see you safe to at & through the Ball
to your own house.

I have made some very considerable progrefs in my
collection of paintings & Daguerreotypes that of Paul
Jones I will bring with me as an exhibition of the rest,
should you have sufficiently recovered from your attack
of influenza I hope to accompany you to the artist, and
cancel the small obligation to me, which when done I
shall place a no small estimate on. I have a portion
of the lock of your venerated husband enclosed with
that of Washington Franklin & Genl Jackson in a plane
gold ring, and hope with your aid to include that of
Mr Jefferson.

With kind regards to my young friend and an as-
surance of my own high esteem for yourself.
I am very truly

Your friend

J. D. Elliot

M" Dolly Paine Madison
Washington
City

I accompany Mrs Dallas Mr. Rush and a few other
friends as a kind of Phila party to the Inauguration.

Maud Wilder Goodwin in Dolly Madison refers to the
loss of Commodore Elliott at the inaugural ball of Presi-
dent Polk at the National Theatre, March 4, 1845. He
lost his wallet and its contents ; and of its contents he re-
gretted most the loss of the letter of Mrs. Madison and
of the lock of hair of Mr. Madison which was in company
with the locks of Washington, Franklin and Jackson.
To Mrs. Madison:

My Dear Friend
In offering my thanks for the much prized bundle
you sent me last evening, I must ask your acceptance

359

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of the enclosed trifle, with best wishes for your health
and happiness, much love to Anna, Farewell

M. K. Crittenden.
Sunday March 23rd (1845)

From Mrs. Madison:

— I have bathed & coaxed my eyes sweet fd with the
hope of them being in plight to appear before you this
evs, but in vain — they require another day or two of
indulgence, the usual procefs with perverse dispositions,
always too slow in returning to good humour even in
appearance — such are the eyes —

of yours most truly
Mrs. Crittenden

From Anthony Morris:

Highlands — Thursday Morning —

Will you excuse Me dearest Dear Mrs M for sollick-
ing the favor of you to be at Home tins morning with
your sweetest sweet Flower by your side, to receive two
Philada Ladies — Daughters of Her who was well known
to you I think, when she was Nancy Pancoast* — the
one Daughter is now Mrs Buckley,t the other is Mrs
PerrotJ — They are pafsing thro' Washington on their
return Home from Richmond, and won't be received
with favor by their Mother, nor by the Philadelphians,
if they cant say they have seen you and your Daughter
— please to caution this fair Lafsie not to fall in Love
with young Mr P. because he is "ower young to marry
yet"—

yr Obt & faithful

A. M.

Richard Cutts was born, June 22, 1771, on Cutts's
Island, Saco, in the district of Maine. He graduated at

*Ann Pancoast, wife of Luke W. Morris.

fHannah Ann (Morris), wife of Effingham Laurence Buckley.

JSarah Wistar (Morris), wife of Joseph Perot.

360

MRS. MADISON

By W. S. Elwell

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Harvard, 1790. He was a member of Congress from De-
cember 7, 1801, to March 3, 1813. He was Superintend-
ent-general of military supplies from June 3, 1813, until
his removal by President Jackson. He lived many years
at the residence on the east side, center, of Fourteenth
street between Pennsylvania avenue and F street, Wash-
ington, D. C, and there died, April 7, 1845.

Mrs. Madison to David Hume, the Postmaster at
Orange Courthouse, Va.

Pres. Sq: July 9th 45.

Will my good friend Mr. Hume have the kindness to
write me a line in which to inform me whether my son
is in his neighborhood, or in Richmond, as I am anxious
for the acknowledgment of several letters which has
been written by me to him lately.

With best wishes

Mr. Hume replied that he had no doubt all the letters
were received.

To co-erce the collection of a claim General Madison,
the brother of Mr. Madison, had against Mrs. Madison,
he declined to deliver letters and papers that had been
loaned to him. Without the return of these the prospec-
tive purchase by Congress would be blocked. A law suit
resulted. The circumstances are narrated in Miss Annie
Payne's affidavit, May 6, 1846 :

I recollect not a great while before Mr. M's death
hearing him ask Gen. Madison to be sure and return to
him the letters and papers he was then handing him —
and afterwards I heard him with a good deal of anxiety
tell Mrs. M. that she must certainly get back from him
those papers — that Gen. M. had not yet returned them
— and that it would be of importance she should have
them. In Sept. '39 when Gen. M. . enquired of her,

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Airs. M., if she had thought of his request that she
would give to him or some of his family something
in remembrance of the expense he had incurred in
settling up his father's estate Mrs. M. answered him
that her husband had himself assured her that there
was no debt due from him or any account whatever to
any member of his family. He told her that he knew
the time had elapsed by which he could recover any-
thing by law but that in justice upwards of $2,000 was
due him as executor and that he could and would prove
this to be the case to her but that he did not ask it of
her as a debt — he appealed to her generosity and hoped
she would then give him some memoranda of her in-
tention— she took the slate and wrote to this effect
"Without the admission of any debt from my husband
to his brother William, on his father's account, I give
you this mem° at Gen. Madison's solicitation for some
gift of generosity to him or to his family in case he
can prove to me, that there had been a debt due tho' too
long ago for the law to recover it now — feeling there-
fore, every wish of yielding to his persuasion at some
future day, I write this as an evidence of my intention,
to give his family or to cause to be paid to one of them
$- .

John S. Barbour was a prominent politician and prac-
titioner. He was a member of Congress from 1822 to
1833

Catalpa July 19th 1845
My Dear Madam

I am very sensible that gross injustice is done you
in the matter of which I have both written & spoken
so often to you. And I fear that I am obtrusive in
my communications. They are at least disinterested;
& if they be as succefsful as my wishes are pure of all
selfish consideration; justice will be done to you.

My connexion by blood with those whose interest is
adversary to yours; will plead my apology for caution
& confidence in my communication with you. If John

362

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

P. Todd Esq: will call at my house I can probably aid
him. and I will do so very cordially; & with zeal, to the
result, whenever he will call. I am not acquainted with
your counsel (Mr. Halladay, else I would write to him.
I am with kindest respect and the best wishes
Yr faithful friend

J. S. Barbour
Mrs. D. P. Madison
Washington City

Mrs. Madison to John S. Barbour, Esq.

Catalpa, near Culpeper C H Va

Wash., July 21st 45

I ought before this dear Sir, to have acknowledged
your disinterested kindnefs in the communication you
made me, but I flattered myself that my son would
better exprefs in person to you the grateful feeling with
which I must ever remember them — I beg you to be
afsured that whether or not, I profit by your good
wishes, I shall count it a great gratification that your
sympathy & counsel were freely given to me.

I am ignorant of the progrefs made in the suit, &
without an acquaintance with the Advocates engaged in
it — being too indisposed to make my way to the scene
in such oppressive weather.

With affte salutations for your daughter.

Your friend

Mrs Madison presents her affectionate respects to the
Sisters of the Visitation and regrets that indisposition
deprives her of the great pleasure of accepting their kind
invitation to their Academy this day.
July 23d '45

Mr. Madison's relative, James Madison, was a bishop
of the Episcopal Church in Virginia. Mr. Madison ad-
hered to the faith of his fathers; and Mrs. Madison in
the services attended with him. Perhaps for a few

363

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

months they worshipped at the new St. John's. Alex-
ander B. Hagner in History and Reminiscences of St.
John's Church, Washington, D. C, has :

In December, 1816, the Committee appointed to wait
on President Madison and offer him his choice of a
pew in the Church free of purchase, reported that the
President desired the choice should be made by the Com-
mittee, who accordingly selected one, among the large
pews of the first class.

Upon coming to Washington she renewed her attend-
ance and worshipped with her intimate friends, Mesdames
Hamilton, Thornton and Lear. In piety she was Quaker
and Episcopalian; she was the essence that all faiths
tend to reach ; in the form, from affiliation, she changed.

Dear Aunt Lear

Aunt & myself intend to be christened this morning
in Church and we wish much that you should be present
— It will be at Twelve. No one is to be there except
Mrs Adams and her daughters, cousin Mary & Louisa
Adams.

Accept our love c^ believe me always yours

Anne Payne

To the Revd Mr Pyne
St. John's Church
Dear Friend — I wish to be with you this day of
Confirmation and would ask if you had any counsel to
give me.
July 15th 1845

To Mrs. Madison:
My dearest friend
I am obliged to write on this scrap — I have no counsel
to give, but to go on as you have begun. God blefs you.

364

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

and keep you in His Holy favour — Gladly shall I en-
roll you in the list of my candidates — I should like to
see my friend Annie too —

Ever affectionately
Yr

Smith Pyne

To Rev. Mr. Pyne :

According to your intimation of this morning dear
Friend I send you my name in full and hope if there is
aught else for me to do, that I shall know it from you
who I am proud to greet in the fine character of our
good and kind Pastor.

Dolly Payne Madison
July 27th 1845.

Mrs. Madison to her nephew, Richard D. Cutts :

And now, my dear Richard, I must tell you on what
our thoughts have dwelt a great deal — and that is to
become worthy of membership in the church which I
have attended for the last forty years, and which Anna
has attended all her life. Yesterday this long-wished-
for confirmation took place. Bishop Whittingham per-
formed the ceremony, and we had an excellent sermon
from the Bishop of New Jersey — a fine preacher and
beautiful champion for Charity, which "suspects not nor
thinks no evil."

Extract from a long letter to Mrs. Madison :

August 3, 1845.

It has been with no ordinary emotions that I have
lately received the intelligence, that you have assumed
the profession of faith.

A. M. Boyd.
Cambridge.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

To Philad* Sept. 1, 1845,

Mrs. D. P. Madison,
My dear Madam,

The vol which you did me the honor to patronize,
by permitting its dedication to yon, is in the press. It has
been delayed by those obstacles which lie always allmost
in the way of authors — But it is on its way through the
press, and will, bye & bye, appear before the public.
My chief anxiety is, that it may prove not unworthy of
the distinguished name under whose auspices it will ap-
pear. If I succeed in making the work acceptable to
yon, I shall have achieved one great end which I had in
view in its preparation. The editor of the Knicker-
bocker has been kind enough to notice the enterprize.
I have no copy of that number, or I would sent it to
you; but the notice having been copied by an Editor of
a paper in this City, I send you a paper containing the
Knickerbocker's notice — which is certainly very friendly.
I had a ramble last Saturday in company with a beloved
friend, in Bartram's gardens, and thought, and talked
of you. But it does not require a walk there, to revive
recollections of one, who, with her illustrious consort,
will live in my memory whilst this faculty shall be left
to me. I do not know how it is, but it is true, that I
revel more in the past, than I do in the present, or the
future ; and in all the backward tracks which my fancy
takes, it is sure to embrace that glorious period, when
James Madison was President of the U. States, and
you, Madam, were at his side, lending that high station
the charms of your person, & conversation, and en-
riching the circle in which you moved by that gracious
manner, which made you the beloved of all. I en-
quire after you of all I see, who come from Washington,
& who know you, & visit you ; and am made happy
to hear from all. of the excellent state of your health,
&c. May it long be continued to you, crowned with
every other earthly blefsing, is the prayer of your sin-
cere and devoted friend

Tho: L: McKenney

366

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

As had Mr. Madison so had Mrs. Madison the art
feeling. As her spoken and written thought was cultured
so was her sense of decorative beauty. Her home had
Gilbert Stuart and John Vanderlyn's portraiture and other
works of recognized masters. Examples that were of
slight value when in her possession are now treasures
only the wealthy can possess. She had besides many well-
chosen engravings; and besides art objects that are now
guarded in numerous cabinets. In the encouragement of
art, Mrs. Madison could quite appropriately donate of her
valuable keepsakes; and from affection for the city that
had in it so much of personal history intertwined.

Copy of Circular Letter Addressed to Mrs. Baker
Arch Below 1 1 th Street

A number of Gentlemen, Stockholders and others,
have taken much interest in an effort to reconstruct the
Academy of the Fine Arts, which was recently visited by
a destructive fire. They have been pleased to invite
co-operation from their female friends. If the master
spirits of the human race, the Lords of this fair creation,
are willing in an hour of need, to confess the value of
assistance from the feebler sex, there will be nothing
intrusive or indelicate in the acceptance of so flattering
an invitation. A tribute at once so unusual and agree-
able.

A few ladies having consented to put their shoulders
to a wheel, set in motion by stronger hands than theirs,
though yet deep in the mire, would imitate the Mouse
in the Fable, which, by persevering use of its small
means, relieved the Lion from the net. If then, they
may, on this occasion produce a corresponding effect,
may they not be permitted, for once, to quit the quiet
and unpretending routine of domestic charities, to aid
the noble exertions of their leaders in this benevolent
enterprise. They cordially invite the assistance of all

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

who are willing hearted and nimble fingered; tasteful
in constructing and ingenious in executing works of
fancy and of female skill. The products of pencil or
pen, needle, spindle or shuttle; knitting or netting
needles ; braiding or bead work ; embroidery, feather or
shell work; in short, all the Sister Arts are called on,
to combine in the grand scheme of raising up and adorn-
ing the walls of their beloved Academy.

"As mole hills piled to mountains rise," none need be
deterred from contributing small offerings to the Grand
Bazaar. The spirit that gives according to its means
is both just and generous ; and the female who can spare
a few hours of ingenious labour, is no less a benefactress,
than she. who out of her abundance, has the privilege
of making a large donation.

From the beautiful stores that adorn our City, an
interest in this undertaking may be confidently expected.
A taste for the Fine Arts, is frequently cultivated by
those so constantly examining the splendid fabrics of the
Useful Arts, and taste and liberality should grow with
the wealth they produce. Aid from these fashionable
marts (jewellery and fancy articles of every kind) is
respectfully solicited.

In addition to the places of residence of the members
of the Committee and of the Directors a place of deposit
for contributions will be opened at No. 66 Walnut Street,
between the hours of 9 and 3 ; and tables at the Bazaar
provided; to display them to best advantage.

The name of each contributor should accompany the
articles sent, that distance as well as domestic patrons,
may be acknowledged and appreciated.

A committee appointed from among the Lady-Pa-
tronesses, will receive and arrange all articles that come
into their possession, during the period preceding the
opening of the Bazaar. Ladies at their Summer re-
treats, may like the industrious Ant, be providing for
the coming season and bring their shining stores, in
bright October to the Fair Bazaar, while those who

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

labour or collect within the City, may deposit as above,
at their own convenience.

Miss Gratz, 2 Boston Row.

Mrs. John C. Montgomery, 233 Pine St.

Miss Percival, Broad & Locust Sts.

Mrs. Henry D. Gilpin, 99 Walnut St.

Mrs. Peter, 68 South 4th Street

Mrs. John W. Field, 3 Belmont Row,
Spruce St.
Committee. Miss Sally Peters, 18 Girard Street

Mrs. Doctr. Y. G. Nancrede, Walnut & 10th

Mrs. George M. Dallas, 259 Walnut Street

Mrs. John Sergeant, 89 South 4th St.

Mrs. Thomas Biddle, 8 York Buildings,
Walnut St.

Mrs. H. Pratt McKean, Spruce above tenth
Street
Philadelphia, July the 30th 1845.

Miss Eliza Sibley, daughter of Dr. John Sibley, of
Natchitoches, Louisiana, married Josiah Stoddard John-
ston, who was a Senator of that State. A charming
widow she was and she married the handsome Henry
Dilwood Gilpin.

Mr. Gilpin was a talented lawyer and his talent re-
warded him with honors and riches. He was the U. S.
District Attorney at Philadelphia, Solicitor of the Treas-
ury; and during Van Buren's administration Attorney-
General. He wrote much. His works include a Biog-
raphy of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Under the auspices of Congress he edited the Madison
Papers, published in three octavo volumes. He reported
the Cases of the U. S. District Court for the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania. He had a distinct literary
leaning and an artistic sense. His numerous papers for

369

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

periodicals give this proof. He travelled abroad and was
the recipient of special courtesies. He was of the man-
agement of the University of Pennsylvania and Girard
College. He was vice-president of the Historical Society
of Pennsylvania;* and President of the Pennsylvania
Academy of Fine Arts. Mr. Gilpin was born in Lan-
caster, England.

Phila October 22d 1845
My dear Mrs Madison

I received the Evs before last, your most valuable &
acceptable package — & hasten as one of the Managers
of the Bazaar to return you my very sincere thanks —
your kind & prompt manner of doing so great a favor,
adds greatly to its value & I assure you it is highly ap-
preciated by us — We look with emotion, & with ven-
eration upon the letters of those great & good men (now
all gathered to their Father) but whose acts remain,
as bright and splendid examples to others — & for your
own beautiful manuscript, again let me very truly thank
you, my dear Mrs Madison — I am sure you will be
pleased to hear that the exertions of the Ladies have
proved entirely successful & when the receipts are all
returned & some remaining valuable articles disposed
of — the sum realised will exceed ten thousand dollars
— this with the aid of the gentlemen will, we trust re-
build the academy & leave a fund to add to the Paint-
ings. I hope my dear Mrs Madison that you have en-
tirely recovered from the effects of your indisposition &
may have no return of it during the autumn. Would
not a little change of air, & scene benifit you, — you
know you have cordial & kind friends here to greet
you & first among them, my Husband & myself — I beg
you to present me affectionately to your niece — & re-

*Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Gilpin in the Historical Society of
Pennsylvania.

370

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ceive the assurances of Mr Gilpin & my unchanged
interest & sincere regard —

Very affectionately,

Yrs Eliza Gilpin

99, Walnut St

Phil*

Mrs. Madison's ancient friend, Samuel Harrison
Smith, died November 1, 1845. The gazetteers omit
his appointment by President Madison, of date Septem-
ber 30, 1814, to perform the duties of the Secretary of
the Treasury. The biographical sketch in the Daily
National Intelligencer, December 2, 1845, concludes:

It only remains for us to add that the evening of his
life of blameless purity and simplicity found him con-
scious, prepared and tranquil; and, that, having lived
the life of a Philosopher, he gave, to the friends who
surrounded him in his last moments, a lesson how a
Christian ought to die.

Richard Dominicus Cutts and Martha Jefferson Hack-
ley were married December 16, 1845. The wedding was
at Norfolk, Va., and Mrs. Madison's niece, Mary, was
of the out-of-town visitors. She says the bride was the
only one not excited.

Harriet Taylor Upton has relative to Mrs. Madison's
reception in honor of the new united couple:

To the close of life she wore the dress she had liked
many years before, and looked like a picture in it always
— an historical portrait. This costume worn on all
state occasions — and there were many, for the mansion
on Lafayette Square was to the President's house like
the residence of the Queen Dowager — was a black vel-
vet gown, with leg-of-mutton sleeves, and a short waist;
the skirt in full gathers ; it opened upon the breast and

371

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

was filled in with a good deal of white tulle rising to
a ruff about the face. Upon her hair was a turban of
white satin covered with clouds of white tulle; and
thrown about her shoulders with a Frenchwoman's grace
was a favorite satin scarf of rich stripes in the Roman
colors. So appareled, she presided at one of the last
gayeties in the house on Lafayette Square. * * *
It was an immense reception; all the great people of
Washington were there, for together with the respect
affectionately due Mrs. Madison, both bride and bride-
groom were old favorites in Maryland and Virginia
society, and all the evening there was a throng pressing
in at the front door and issuing at the back as at a
Presidential levee. The young pair spent six months
with Mrs. Madison.*

I salute you dear Mrs Clarke with a kifs from the
Bridal store but in my own spirit — The President was
too ill to appear — his handsome and pleasant lady, how-
ever, caused us to forget in a measure, the misfortune.

Truly yours

D. P. Madison

To Mrs. Madison:

My dear Neighbor — The carriage is going out this
morning and will call for you — what time will you be
ready to go — Suit your convenience, as it makes no
difference, to me —

Your sincere friend,

Anna R. Clarke.

Richard Smith's acknowledgment to Mrs. Madison :

Jan: 1, 1846
My dear Madam

I am truly thankful for your remembrance of me;
& the handsome & curious little souvenir shall be cher-
ished as a testimonial of your regard. I only repeat a

*Our Early Presidents, Their Wives and Children.
372

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

hacknied expression in wishing you much happinefs in
this New Year, but it is the earnest prayer of my heart
that you may long live to enable your friends to testify
how much they respect & love you.

Ever yours —
Mrs: Madison Rd Smith

The memory of the Rev. Mr. Pyne in St. John's will
not be outliven. The Hon. Mr. Hagner says he was called
through the influence of the Hon. John C. Spencer and in
his History of St. John's Church, further says :

He was a man of elegant education and of fine mind
and literary attainments, and was certainly one of the
most effective preachers of our Church at that day; and
was especially noted for his fine rendition of the Scrip-
tures, which he read with remarkable beauty of enun-
ciation and pathos. He was a brilliant conversation-
alist, and had a good deal of the wit and plain talk
that reminded one of the accounts of the many-sided
"Sidney" whom he somewhat resembled in his tastes
and acquirements.

To Mrs. Madison :

My dearest Friend

Had you sought through the world you could not
have made me a more acceptable & appropriate gift —
In spite of the law against the right of primogeniture
it shall be an heir loom, for two generations at least —
My son John will inherit it & prize it, when we, I trust
through the blefsed faith we hold in common, shall be
the common recipients of those blefsings which God has
in store for his children.

* * *

God blefs and preserve you many years here, and
crown them with "long life ever for ever."
With devoted affection

Yr friend & Pastor
Jany 1st 1846. Smith Pyne

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The draught may have been bitter but there a cur-
ing cordial in the way the medicine was proffered by
Mrs. Madison.

Cherish confidence in thy Doctrefs sweet friend and
take this Tincture morning & night — one teaspoon in
water. —

Of the wife of the President with whom Mrs. Madi-
son was most intimate was the wife of Mr. Polk. During
his residence in the Capital City as Speaker of the House
of Representatives (1835-'39), Mrs. Madison and Mrs.
Polk often sat at the same table. That the Tylers were
to be retired gave Mrs. Madison regret; that the Polks
were to succeed gave her elation. Mrs. Polk eschewed
cards and dances and the frivolities. She was simple and
sincere. She made a handsome hostess.

Of the levee, January 21, 1846:

This evening the President for the first time received
his friends at the White House, and if a large and
highly respectable assemblage could gratify him. he had
no cause of complaint. * * *

It was one of the most interesting incidents of the
evening to see Mrs. Madison promenade the East Room,
with the appearance of almost youthful agility.*

A part is taken of a guest's description of a levee :

In the centre of the room stands the President, will-
ing to shake as many people by the hand as may be
presented to him while his strength lasts; and a fine
gentlemanly man he is. Democrat or no Democrat.

At his right hand you will probably discover Mr.
Marcy, the Secretary of the War. There is also Mr.

*The Story of the White House. Esther Singleton.
374

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Dallas, performing acts of civility with the air of a
perfect courtier to every one. Behind the President
stands Mrs. Polk, whom I will uphold on any and every
occasion of your attending the levee to be one of the
finest women in the room. You will probably find her
supported by an elderly lady in a black turban, who you
will know at once is Mrs. Madison; behind them will
be twenty or thirty young ladies standing at ease, laugh-
ing and flirting with young M.C.'s among whom not the
least conspicuous for gallantry and gentlemanly deport-
ment will be Judge Douglas of Illinois.
* * *

To the East Room you repair, then; and find a spa-
cious apartment splendidly furnished and brilliantly il-
luminated. There is comparative stillness here; the
conversation is more moderate, but the ferocious trum-
pets and clarionets are outside the folding-doors, and
the least provocation in the world will arouse their
anger. The great amusement of the evening now com-
mences; all before has been merely preparatory. This
popular court pastime consists in solemnly promenading
round the room in pairs. * * *

Senators, Ministers, Congressmen, mechanics, clerks,
and would-be-clerks are there, leading ladies belonging
to every stage in society, from the fashionable belle of
the higher circles to the more fashionable seamstress.
Solemnly and without pause, they perform their slow
gyrations, while a group of young men in the centre
survey their motions, quizzing their dresses and general
appearance. The whole affair seems to have been got
up for the amusement of this knot of spectators, some
of whom are preparing mental notes descriptive of the
satin of Miss A., the beaming eyes of Miss B., the gal-
lantry of Gen. C. and the stateliness of Col. D., for the
papers throughout the Union.

The dresses of the ladies form a subject for abstruse
study. Half an hour's contemplation is sufficient to
distract any man of common mind. * * *

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Some men parade in gravity, some are merry and
others are foppish; there is a good sprinkling of mili-
tary and naval uniforms, and there are a few horny-
faced strangers who are — Ah ye narcotic gods! — chew-
ing tobacco. Soon the company increases ; a few ladies,
exhausted by their peripatetic labors, seat themselves on
sofas; groups of gentlemen congregate around them to
talk nonsense and look killing. Count Bodisco holds
a private levee at one end of the room, and all the world
is introduced. The French, British and other Ambas-
sadors cluster together, glittering in uniforms and the
crosses of foreign orders and frightful moustaches and
beards. Mr. Polk is forgotten — the gold lace and bril-
liant swords usurp all attention. Such introducing, such
scraping, such curtseying, such jabbering of foreign
compliments and violent efforts of some of our people
to do the polite in uncouth tongues — such a wild clamor
of conversation rages — the band, too, has become insane
and the room is oppressively warm, when the President
enters leading a lady — probably Mrs. Madison, and fol-
lowed by Mrs. Polk and all the great people of Wash-
ington.

The noise increases, the complimenting and bowing
go on worse than ever; the band has taken matters in
its own hands and the instruments have become un-
governable ; the promenading ceases. The President
has a word for every one, and all mingle together in
irregular groups chatting and laughing and coquetting,
until unable any longer to bear such tumult you rush
distractedly from the room, and give the young "nigger"
who has charge of your hat and cloak a shilling for his
trouble, which generosity he gratefully repays by pre-
senting you with an ancient chapeau in the last stages
of existence.*

Mrs. Madison made an exception to Dr. Franklin's
debt observations, to wit: that '^Creditors have better

*The Story of the White House. Esther Singleton.
376

KALORAMA. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

memories than Debtors and that the debtor who cannot
pay promptly fears to face his creditor."

Washington March 24th 1846

Dear Friend — I ought to have written my apology
and explanation on the subject of my debt to you, some
time ago — and can only hope for your forgivenefs by
telling you of my difficulties which "lengthen as I go"
— My hope of emancipation from them has kept me
patiently looking forward to the purchase by this Con-
grefs of my Husband's writings — but the early day is
yet in perspective when I may return your kind loan
and its interest, for the last twelve months.

I had the pleasure to see your grand sons the Mefsrs
Langdon during their short visit to Washington — as
well as Mr Cogswell, who promised me a second visit,
but did not come.

Accept from me, with your wonted goodnefs, this
explanation of my delinquency, and believe me, with
wishes for your happinefs, your constant friend.
John Jacob Astor Esqr
New York

General Walter Jones was nationally famous for eru-
dition in the law and for his purity of language. He
was "a well of English pure and undefiled." His prac-
tice was important and he was counsel in causes celebres
among which the Girard and Myra Clark Gaines. He
had a part in the Bladensburg battle but it was not on
account of that, that President Monroe made him a Briga-
dier-General or that he arose to the higher rank, Major-
General.

Yet now and then your men of wit
Will condescend and take a bit. (vanity)

— Swift.

377

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

And if it was a vanity, the truly great Walter Jones
had his bit, for to him it was a fascination — "in full uni-
form, with blue saddle cloth embroidered with gold" —
to ride "at its head on all public occasions — inaugurations
and funerals of Presidents, etc."*

General Jones in his declining days lived with Dr. and
Mrs. Thomas Miller. Mrs. Miller was Miss Virginia
Jones, the daughter of the General; and Miss Harriotte
Jones, was another daughter. Mr. Miller was the Physi-
cian of the city and in the continuous administrations in-
cluding Harrison and Buchanan, he was the President's
physician. Sir William Howard Russell, correspondent
of the London Times, has given him the title "The Great
Virginia Doctor." He had all the honors of the profes-
sion ; and to the limit, his practice would permit, he gave
his time to other than health direction for the public bene-
fit. Dr. and Mrs. Miller, at first, lived with Mrs. Thorn-
ton on F street. She sat in the Miller pew and always
had an escort in one of the Miller family to and from
service. Dr. Miller after living elsewhere (E street near
Fourteenth), bought the historic Thornton house and
there permanently lived and by his hospitality added to
its historic record. It stands today still erect but in its
old age much altered. Its original number was 346;
present 133 l.f

Genl <$• Mrs Jones will be happy to see Mrs Madison
on Thursday evening 14th at g o'clock. —

Mrs. Madison to Mifs Harriet Jones:

These early peeping peas and blushing radishes await
the fostering hand and beaming eye of my sweet young

* Walter Jones and His Times. Fanny Lee Jones. Records of
the Columbia Historical Society.

fDr. Thomas Miller and His Times. Virginia Miller.

378

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

friend Harriet when they will embelish her table and
soothe her impatience at their tardy perfection.

Affectionately

I send you a few Specimens of German Scenery which
you will please divide with Sisters for me.
April 2d 1846

The sisters Jones did divide the pictures and to this
day they are highly prized.

My dear kind Friend

My Sisters join me in grateful thanks for your beau-
tiful present. The scenes are most beautiful and we
have all been very happy this morning examining them
— we have each made choice of that which pleased us
best, and shall always preserve it, as a memento of our
Father's dear and valued friend. The fine seed you
have been so kind as to send me, I shall sow with care,
and with them try to cultivate patience, and enjoy the
anticipation of their beauty and perfection — tho I fear
much this same patience will be sown with the seed
and unfortunately wait to Spring up with them too —
not so however the seed of Love which your kindnefs
has planted in my heart — it is already Springing up in
true affection, and sending out many warm wishes for
your health and happinefs and all the best blef sings of
Providence. Papa and my Sisters send their best love
to you and to Annie.

affectionately yrs

Harriotte Jones
Saturday

April 4th (1846)

(Card)

Mrs. T. Miller

At home Every Tuesday Morning

379

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

My dear Mrs Madison

I anticipated the pleasure of pafsing this evening with
you, but have been prevented by the sufferings of my
pet from violent inflammation of the eyes.

Please present my affectionate regards to your niece
Mifs Payne, her kind mefsage to father was duly de-
livered, he felt much flattered & if his health permitted
would have enjoyed a pleasant Evening with you both,
for the last few days he has been very unwell,
believe me

most truly yrs
Friday Virginia Miller

Apl 23d 46—

— My Dearest — It has been too long since I was
cheered with a line from you — What are you about that
prevents your communicating with your Mother? You
are taking special care of our mutual property of every
sort, I trust — & my confidence in you to restore it to
me is not diminished by the sad & tedious time in which
I have been deprived of its use — a part of the furniture
I wished to divide with you, & a part of it desired to
sell but I wished to be with you & together choose what
best to dispose of. * * *

Anxious

Mother !

Mrs. Lear, May 2, 1846, invited Mrs. Madison to sit
with her in the Van Ness pew, St. John's Church, which
she thought of occupying thereafter.

To Mrs. Lear:

— Many thanks dear Friend — your fruit is sweeter
than ours — I wish we could say quite well but that is
not the case tho' we are bustling about yet — Anna will
go to a Bridal party this evening — I decline on account
of a promise to see Kalorama but there & everywhere
we "think of thee my love."

D. P. Madison.

380

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Says Mrs. Smith, November 7, 1831:*

Madame Iturbide, the former Empress of Mexico, is
close to us.

Sister Gertrude, the nun, who last spring escaped
from the convent at George Town, is an inmate of her
family, in fact, an adopted daughter and has the whole
charge of her three daughters. Sister Gertrude I knew
well in her childhood, saw now and then through the
convent grate and on one occasion when accidently alone
with her, offered if she wished to leave it, to communi-
cate her desire to her relatives, but she then said she
was confined more by her own inclination, than by her
vows, or the walls that surrounded her.

Says Ben: Perley Poore:f

Miss Ann G. Wightt, a cousin of Mrs. Van Ness,
created a great sensation in Washington by coming to
her house for a home. She was a runaway nun from
the Convent of the Visitation in Georgetown, and had
been known in the community as Sister Gertrude. No
one ever knew rightly the cause of her sudden depart-
ure from the convent. Some said it was disappointed
ambition in not being appointed superioress; others, that
it was a case of love; but she never told, and the ladies
of the convent were just as reticent. She became an
inmate of the elegant Van Ness mansion and was a
noted and brilliant woman in society. It was said that
she had written a book, exposing the inner life of the
convent, to be published after her death, but I have
never heard of its appearance. A few years after she
left the convent she accompanied the family of the
American Minister to Spain, and resided for some time
at Madrid, where she was a great favorite in Court
circles.

*Forty Years of Washington Society.

fPerley's Reminiscences of Sixty Years in the National Me-
tropolis.

381

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Says Mrs. Kate Kearney Henry:

She was a cousin of Mrs. Van Ness, being a niece
of Mrs. David Burns, who was a Miss Ann Wight of
Charles Co., Md. * * * She was a most charming
person in her manners and conversation, and was sought
as an honored guest on all distinguished occasions.

My dear Mrs Madison

Some friends of mine, wish me to accompany them
to Mount Vernon tomorrow, & although I have been
there several times within the last ten years, I do not
feel sufficiently well acquainted to introduce them.

Will you have the goodnefs to write me a line of
introduction? you can say "Mifs Wightt of Washing-
ton & party &c &c

I am going down on the Avenue now & on my re-
turn will call for the note hoping it will be convenient
for you to give it to me, & to have it ready by that
time. I trust Anna has entirely recovered & that you
are perfectly well.

Some evening during this or the coming week, I
promise myself the pleasure of taking Tea with you.
Yours most affectionately &c

Ann G. Wightt*
Wednesday noon

May 20th 1846

J. Eastman Johnson, who rose to eminence in art, in
his stepping stone days executed portraits in black and
white.

Dear Mrs. Madison —

I am very much obliged to you for your patience in
permitting me to keep the picture of Mr. Madison until
now — I hope I have not been charged with neglect in
a disposition to take advantage of your politenefs in
retaining it so long, though perhaps I deserve it —

*Died at Richmond, Va., November 19, 1867.

382

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

If you will please not forget the little memorial which
you promised me of your signature &c, you will in-
crease my obligation to you & very much gratify,
Yours very respectfully

J. Eastman Johnson
Saturday May 23d (1846)

THE NATIONAL FAIR.
Thursday, May 21, to Wednesday, June 3, 1846.

Forgotten! The citizens' (of Washington) greatest
exhibition of enterprise; an example for emulation. It
was a fair for the display, encouragement and advance-
ment of American manufactures. No other was on so
extensive scale until the Centennial in Philadelphia in
1876 but that was international. Multitudes paid the
shilling to enter and went in. The newspapers devoted
daily detailed descriptions. W. W. Seaton was the chair-
man of the committee of superintendence; the oftiers of
the committee in their activity forgot to get their names
in print. The ladies' association had the refreshment
rights and spent the substantial profits on the poor —
very poor, then.

Mrs. Madison gave the Fair the approval of her
presence.

On Wednesday, May 27th, the trustees, teachers and
pupils of the public schools, matrons and children of
orphan asylums were guests and marched in procession
to the pavilions ; and continued on the rotunda and parks
of the Capitol. The pupils mustered four hundred and
the orphans two hundred and fifty. And, a part of Fri-
day afternoon, the 29th, was appropriated to the admis-
sion of people of color.

Too much space cannot be assigned this important
item of local and national history and from the resume
of the Daily National Intelligencer, June 4, is taken thus:

383

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The National Fair closed finally last night at ten
o'clock agreeably to the published notice some days ago.
This great exemplification of American ingenuity, pro-
jected and prosecuted under some doubts of its success,
has far more than equalled the highest hopes of the
patriotic gentlemen who originated and carried it for-
ward. During the entire fortnight that it has been
open, its immense saloons have been thronged by day
and crowded by night with interested and gratified spec-
tators, who have come hither from all quarters to view
its treasures. * * * We can only say that the Na-
tional Fair has been a source of pleasure and instruction
to the thousands who have visited it, and of no little
advantage, we believe, to our National Metropolis ; that
we feel that our city is much indebted to the liberal
contributors to whose public spirit we owe it ; and we
trust that they will find in the success of their experi-
ment a sufficient inducement to repeat it periodically,
or occasionally, hereafter.

Brooklyn, N. Y.
To July 4, 46

Mrs D. P. Madison
Dear Madam,

* * * Your old friend Mr Astor is very feeble.

He is at hurl-gate, and may linger on awhile longer,
but can have no pleasure in life. I am told by those
who best know him that his relish for wealth is as keen
as ever : That gone, he is gone.

I hope you continue to enjoy your accustomed health?
May it be long continued to you. Where is your son?
And how is he? How thin'd has the tree become of
its leaves — I mean how many of those once known to
us both have dropt off!

* * *

Ever yours

Tho. L: McKenney

384

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Maj. McKenney* came to Mr. Madison with a note of
introduction from Gen. Van Ness. It was dated July 28,
1814. The Major came with a suggestion stated in the
note — "the project of calling into the field a battalion of
militia of the District during the agitation and alarm pro-
duced by the menaces of the enemy." A little later, Sep-
tember 2, from Camp Windmill Point, below Windmill
Hill (old Naval Observatory), in the city on the Potomac
he wrote the President. And during the war he fought
and wrote. When the fighting ceased, he did not cease
writing ; and had Mr. Madison as a correspondent. And
when Mr. Madison passed on, Mrs. Madison was the suc-
cessor.

Maj. McKenney was the proprietor of the country-seat
Weston, on the Tennallytown road, not far above George-
town, from some time in 1817 and for several years.
The mansion of wood was commanding; it was latterly
known as Ruthven Lodge. It, in 1911, fell before subur-
ban extension. The kingdom of leaves was a veritable
Eden. A sequestered path the Major called the Dolly
Madison Walk. The Major, always enthusiastic, dedi-
cated his attainment and life-work for the advancement
of the American aborigines. He wrote several treatises
on the Indian and that in conjunction with James Hall of
Cincinnati was a success from the standards of artistic
embellishment and literary merit. f Maj. McKenney
quotes these charming lines, so like a setting of gems:

*Voluntary aid-de-camp to Brigadier-General Walter Smith of
D. C. militia. Was in the Bladensburg affair.

fAttached to the War Department, is the office of Indian Af-
fairs, with the duties of which Col. McKenney is charged. * * *
In it are arrayed, in tasteful order, the likenesses of one hundred
and thirty Indian chiefs, in their native costume. These likenesses
having been taken from life, (with a few exceptions) by King, of
this city, are not only fine specimens of the art, but in point of

385

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Ye say their cone — like cabins

That clustered o'er the vale,
Have disappeared as withered leaves

Before the autumn gale;
But their memory liveth on your hills,

Their baptism on your shore;
Your ever rolling rivers speak,

Their dialect of yore.

Something of Maj. McKenney's style can be gained
from his defiant sentiments in declamatory sentences in
the first letter herein reproduced and the other letters
in gentler mood.

The cultured Ella Loraine Dorsey has contributed this
sketch of Colonel Thomas Loraine McKenney:

He was twenty years Commissioner of Indian affairs :
he held a commission in the war of '12: he was the son
of Wm. McKenney of Kent Co. Md., and his wife Anne
Barber: * * * he was descended from the famous
Quaker preacher Sarah Grubb : he was interested in the
Liberian Colony: he was extremely active at the time of
the Irish famine in procuring and sending the corn ships
to Ireland : he was an old line Whig and as such suffered
from the Jacksonian policy : but his office "was offered to
twenty gentlemen, before one could be found willing to
take it from a blameless gentleman a position of trust he
had filled acceptably for twenty years."

The trip he made with Gen. Cass was remarkable:
his North American Indians is standard.

exact delineation, and spirited, and close resemblance to the origi-
nals, they are perfect. * * * How deeply interesting would it
be, were Col. McKenney to embody all he knows of the history
and biography of these Indians, thus represented in his office ; and
intersperse it with the anecdotes which relate to so many of them.
— Historical Sketches of the Ten Miles Square. Jonathan Elliot.

386

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

His death took place in N. Y. City in 185 — while on
a journey.

His name among the Indians was "The White Eagle,"
from his crest of beautiful white hair and bold features.
He was much trusted and beloved by them, and no treaty
was ever broken either by the white or red people during
his long encumbency.

He married Miss Editha Gleaves, but she and his only
son died and he never remarried.

The battle, while Commissioner, with the Chateaus
and other fur traders of Missouri who sought to ruin
him, because he would not allow their traders to have
liquor of any sort at the annual fur markets, or fall trade,
is as spirited as any of the modern commercial battles
known. They carried it so far as to mutilate the govern-
ment's books and carry it to Congress through Benton
their Senator.

Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Polk :

You have given me a great gratification in the injunc-
tion to answer your kind note — I wish I could do so in a
manner to entitle it to a place in your valued fds Book but
I feel consciousnefs of a dull spirit which for the last
three months has bound me in the fear of loosing a very
precious niece — whose health is now being restored, &
mine in consequence is reviving — I will therefore add to
this note affte salutations for you, & for your fd whom
henceforth I shall claim thro you but whose book I must
not injure by a sombre thought.

2d Sept. 46.

The letter of Mrs. Madison to Mr. Bancroft refers to
the change — Secretary of the Navy to Minister to Great
Britain. Mr. Bancroft had been a guest of the Madi-
sons at Montpellier (March- April, 1836) and there came
to be a family friendship. Mr. Bancroft was also the
Minister to Germany yet is best known by his History
of the United States. The Bancrofts, 1874, removed to

387

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington for permanency. He had pleasure in his
intimacy with national notables and in the three Rs —
reading, riding and roses. The remembrance is yet with
many of a small, slight gentleman, white-bearded, with
German military cap, astride a large horse. He was an
amateur at rose culture. He delighted to correspond
with the fraternity of "rosarians." His place at New-
port was Roseclyffe. A popular rose is the "George Ban-
croft." His home in Washington, 1623 H street, N.W.,
had an 1-yard in which legions of roses thrived. Under
Mr. Bancroft's tutelage his gardener, John Brady, de-
veloped the American Beauty. The Bancrofts, 1845-'6,
lived in 1651 Pennsylvania avenue — the Blair mansion;
and is said to have lived also in 21 Madison Place — the
Benjamin Ogle Tayloe mansion. Mrs. Bancroft, the
second, was before Mrs. Elizabeth Davis Bliss.*

My dear Mrs. Madison,

Miss Annie I presume is going to Mrs. Jessup's this
evening and if you are not going there will you give us
the pleasure of your company at dinner today at half
past five. I will send the carriage for you if you will
allow me. I have one or two Boston friends with me
whom I should like to introduce to you.
Yours with very

high regard

E. D. Bancroft

Mrs. Madison to Mr. Bancroft:

I thank you valued fd for the kind present of apostleck
recd from you this Morg — you have as well as your lovely
lady been so good to my little patient & myself during
our too short acquaintance, that it is impossible to say
how much we lament the seperation now at hand — so

*Life and Letters of George Bancroft. M. A. DeWolffe Howe.
388

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

likely to continue thro life — will you both permit me in
any case, to afsure you of my constant regard and af-
fection— with every wish for your safety and happinefs.
Sept. 14th 46.

Do not imagine from my silence sweet fd that my
gratitude for your magnificent present is not comnsurate
with its size & my taste — I wd ( ?)

on the occasion but for an aching head — I hope when
the sun shines again I may again see you to tell that I
shall keep my potato as I would a rose & how highly I
estimate the prize from your kindnefs & how affection-
ately I am always

Yours

D. P. M.

To Mrs Polk

Nov 6th 46—

Boston, October 9, 1846.

My Dear Sir, — I was greatly grieved, before leaving
Washington, to learn through some friends of the desti-
tute condition of Mrs. Madison, and resolved to see if
something in the shape of permanent and periodical relief
could not be provided for her by those richer than my-
self. I think that means may be procured among us close-
fisted, dividend-loving Yankees for buying her a little
annuity, say of four or five hundred dollars per annum,
for the remainder of her life, if it be thought worth while
to do so. In order that we may do this, however, it will
be necessary to know her precise age, as that will deter-
mine the cost, — and as the older she is the larger the
annuity will be for the same money, it is desirable that
she should not use the proverbial privilege of her sex on
this subject. Two or three points, then, I should like to
be assured of, viz. : —

1. Whether Mrs. Madison's circumstances are really
such as to make such an arrangement desirable for her.

2. If so, her exact age in years; if her birthday could
be ascertained it might be best.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

3. How such a provision could best be communicated
to her after it is made up, without occasioning her any
feelings of delicacy or mortification, or even obligation.

Pray do not yet commit anybody to this arrangement,
as there may still be a "slip betwixt the cup and the lip."
But Mr. Webster and I have a notion that we can accom-
plish the matter if we try.

With kind regards to Mrs. Seaton,

Yours most truly and respectfully,

Robert C. Wrinthrop.

Hon. W. W. Seaton.

The biographer of the intermediary is the authority
that the unobtrusive proffer of the northern gentleman
was delicately put aside by the southern gentlewoman. ■

Paul Jennings was a servant of Mr. Webster. His
recollections run thus:

Mrs. Madison was a remarkably fine woman. She was
beloved by everybody in Washington, white and colored.
Whenever soldiers marched by, during the war, she al-
ways sent out and invited them in to take wine and re-
freshments, giving them liberally of the best in the house.
Maderia wine was better in those days than now, and
more freely drank. In the last days of her life, before
Congress purchased her husband's papers, she was in a
state of absolute poverty, and I think sometimes suffered
for the necessaries of life. While I was a servant to Mr.
Webster, he often sent me to her with a market-basket
full of provisions, and told me whenever I saw anything
in the house that I thought she was in need of, to take it
to her. I often did this, and occasionally gave her small
sums from my own pocket, though I had years before
bought my freedom of her.

Paul Jennings had been Mr. Madison's valet; and
Mrs. Madison's servant. The presents of manumission
are dated July 8, 1845, and recite the consideration to be

390

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

"the faithful services of my man servant * * * and
the sum of two hundred dollars." Mrs. Madison pre-
served a letter caused to be written by Jennings when a
slave thanking her for leave of absence to visit his sick
wife.

Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn, although of the
northland, in the southland was educated. He on vaca-
tional visits to his parents, his father was the Secretary
of War, met the genial Mrs. Dolly who always endeared
herself to youth. Mr. Dearborn was of the civil and
military rule of Massachusetts. He promoted Mount
Auburn Cemetery and founded Forest Hills. Horticul-
ture was his main hobby and he had a great garden at
Roxbury. He was the first president of the Massachu-
setts Horticultural Society; and he notified Mr. Madison
of his election as an honorary member. He wrote :

Hawthorn Cottage

Roxbury Jany 1, 1847
My Dear Madam,

* * * Often do I go back in thought to that de-
lightful period, when my honoured parents resided in
Washington & of the intimacy which existed between
our family & your estimable household. Such reminis-
cences "are pleasant, but mournful to the soul."
With the highest respect from your

most aft sert

H. A. S. Dearborn
Mrs. Madison.

To Mrs. Madison:

Tuesday 12th Jany 47
My beloved Friend

Christmas and New Years day have pafsed & I have
not had the pleasure of going to see you. I much hope

391

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

that you have escaped the Influenza which has of late
prevailed so extensively — for my own part a severe cold
attacked me some weeks ago with such serious symptoms
I have found it necessary to keep in a warm room, and
have not felt able to venture abroad in the last few weeks
except twice to Church and from thence was compelled
to hurry home — my poor hand too, has suffered by the
changes in the weather — I am sorry to send so many
complaints my beloved friend, but these alone have kept
me from you — I hope dear Annie continues well, please

give my love to her. my little L L Lear is now

busily engaged with her lefsons, at school every day
from ten till two o'clock — she is quite a robust consti-
tution & goes out in all weather — I was glad she had
an opportunity of paying her respects to you my dear
friend on 1st January. I should have taken her over
often had I been able to be out — now I am looking for
the return of a pleasant season when we shall meet as
in former happy days and with all my love remain as
ever yr own devoted

F. D. Lear

Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Lear:

January 17th 47

My ever dear friend — can you continue to forgive
me for an appearance of neglect towards you, whom I
have thought & spoken of every day without the power
to present myself to contradict this appearance — so un-
true. It wd almost break my heart to see you in doubt
of that affection so long deserved by you & of wh. you
have deserved my gratitude — but I will come to the
main matter & tell you that I have not had the power
tho' determined every day to visit you, to exercise my
•will, having no command over myself.

Adieu for the present, with Annie's & my own love.

To Mrs. Madison:

My beloved Friend —

I received your most welcome note with a sweet pres-
ent on Sunday evening. I wanted to write then, but

392

JOHN PAYNE TODD

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

was prevented by persons coming in at the time. I
could only send a mefsage — * * * My dear friend
I regret that we so seldom meet — but in this season
I can scarcely venture out, I am anticipating the return
of Spring with fresh delight, that I may have the pleas-
ure of coming to see you very often — time nor cir-
cumstance will never make me doubt the warm affection
cherished by yourself towards me. I have felt anxious
about your health in all these changes but my neice
Henriette afsured me you were better and able to con-
tribute to the gratification of herself and others who
so dearly appreciate your kindnefs — with my kind love
to Annie I remain my beloved friend
Your own devoted

F. D. Lear
Jany 20, 1847—

Amos Lawrence was merchant and manufacturer. He
accumulated mighty wealth from business and retired
from it to distribute the wealth. His benefactions were
in books; in books of his approval. His carriage would
on the start be filled with books and on the return
emptied of them; he passed them out to acquaintances
and to strangers. He daily gave by barrels and by whole
collections. Andrew Carnegie is the Amos Lawrence of
this generation.

To Amos Lawrence Esqr
Boston —

Washington, March, 1847

Will you permit your unknown friend, dear Sir, to
express her gratitude to you for a beautiful drefs from
your manufactory so kindly sent me thro' the hands
of our estimable Mrs Davis and which I shall wear for
your sake.

D. P. M.

393

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison determined the rescue of the portrait
of Washington. She removed the picture from the wall
and remained within the castle until the means of rescue
should arrive. At the critical moment came two gentle-
men who at her request bore the picture to a place of
safety. Mrs. Madison conceived the rescue; the two
gentlemen carried the action. Mrs. Madison is entitled
to the credit; the two gentlemen declined any. Thirty-
three and thirty-four years after, a claim of rescue was
made for Charles Carroll by his son. This unfounded
claim caused a controversial correspondence in the col-
umns of the press which has the importance of a tempest
in a teapot and a little more as it brings out contem-
poraneous details of the invasion.

Newport May 5*h 1847
Mrs J. Madison
Madam

It has been my wish long since to publish the Narra-
tive, which you will find in the Express, I send by to
day's Mail, relating to the Saving of the Portrait of
Washington. The credit has been given to others, &
it affords me sincere pleasure, to be the means of plac-
ing the facts before the Country, & to show that to you
alone is to be attributed, the preservation of this valuable
Picture of the Father of our Country. I hope your life
may long be preserved, & if attachment for your char-
acter, could be increased, this narrative cannot fail, to
secure, the love & attachment of the Union, for your
self possession, and patriotic feelings, manifested on
the occasion referred to.
I am

With great respect
Your Ob St

Robt. G. L. DePeyster.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

"May prosperity and that peace which he seeks, be
showered upon him!" Henry Clay was in retirement;
at Ashland, in the State of physical perfection and nature
in perfection he was resting. Mrs. Madison admired
Mr. Clay for his ability and was grateful for the employ-
ment of that ability for her. She was drawn to him by
his charming conversation and his pleasing personality.
Mr. Clay's first oratorical act in Congress was for a
bridge over the Potomac.

Aug. 23d 47—
My dear Mrs Seaton

Your kind note of this morning is full of interest to
me — your friend must ever feel as you do, a sister's
affection for Mr Clay — May prosperity & that peace
which he seeks, be showered upon him! — I have been
too ill all day to write & exprefs my whole mind to
you. My best respects to Col. Rufsell —

Always yours —
Copied Truth in Mifs Josephine D. Rufsell's album.

To Mary E. E. Cutts:

Boston, April 30th 1847.

My dear Mary

* * *

You can easily imagine the satisfaction I feel, in hav-
ing actually accomplished, what for some years, has been
so uppermost in my mind — a visit to Washt°n & a [ast
look at scenes so endeared, friends so beloved, for so
long a time. I really found fewer changes than I could
have expected, how much pleasure we had in seeing
Mrs. Madison, my Mother's & Father's old Friend — »
Dear Lady, how kind she was & how much we all love
her. Charley & Lizzie will never forget her & we all
feel to have only seen her, was well worth the journey
to Washington.

'&>

E. B. Crowninshield

395

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Miss Haswell was the daughter of Charles H. Has-
well, Engineer-in-Chief, U. S. N. The Haswells resided
on I between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets.

Mifs Haswell — enclosing lines on Temper.

— Your nice little basket my sweet friend is filled
on its return to you with my thanks — accept them—
they will ever adhere to the mind so pure and kind as
yours.

Affectionate salutations
September 4th 1847.

Mrs. Madison to Hannah H. Cutts, widow of her
nephew, Thomas, directed to Danville, Kentucky:
(1847)

I hastened to send your letter my dear Niece by Maj :
Ringgold — a kind gentleman who promised to deliver
it himself — Mr Buchanan having afsured me that it was
the surest way of your brother's receiving it, as the
public despatches were too often lost — I hope he will
be cheered by reading it and that you my precious friend
may be happy in the knowledge of a kind brother's
safety.

I pray you to give many kifses for me to my sweet
little girls Mary & Dora — & with all my affte regards
to your Mother. I wish you & herself to be afsured
that it will always give me pleasure to do any thing for
you in this quarter.

I would add an account of our pleasant City in which
we have remained all the summer without illnefs accept
a bilious fever to Annie of a weeks' continuance.
Martha & Richard came back a week ago — Rd is at-
tached to you without a crofs thought in his head re-
specting you — Mary has not yet returned tho a little
homesick — she writes that she will be here the first of
Oct. — My eye rebels & obliges me to say adieu with
every affte wish for your happinefs.

396

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Virginia J. and Septemia were daughters of Mrs. Ran-
dolph, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson. Of Mrs. Ran-
dolph's seven daughters, Virginia was the eldest; Sep-
temia, the youngest. Virginia married Nicholas P. Trist*
— he was a diplomatist; Septemia married D. S. Meikle-
ham — he was a doctor. Mrs. Randolph rounded out the
dozen children by five sons.

Mrs. Madison to Mrs. Trist, care of Dr. Meikleham,
260 W. 20, N. Y. :

Washington Sept 21st 1847
My very dear Friend —

As usual I have been delinquent in answering yr kind
& welcome but the same weak eye existing on my part
pleads for me with you & my precious Septimia — &
augments that never dying affection for you, which
dwells with me. I have been impatient to congratulate
you on the happy success of our dear Mr Trist, whose
merit & glory will ever follow him & those he loves
best. * * * I hope soon to see you all convened
in F St listening to the sweet voices of daughters sisters
& those beloved travellers with whom we long for a
re-union. * * *

All your acquaintances here enquire aff^y after you
& when you will return — indeed I know few as highly
esteemed as you.

Between the letters to Mrs. Trist, September 21, and
to her son, Payne, September 24, are three days. The
letter to Mrs. Trist in the hour of her husband's honor
in his selection to negotiate with Mexico, is in Mrs. Madi-
son's happiest humor — extolling Mr. Trist's merit and
Mrs. Trist's esteem. Mrs. Madison could for the occa-

*Nicholas P. Trist, Chief Clerk of State Department, 1845;
represented United States in peace negotiations with Mexico, 1848;
consul at Havana; private secretary to President Jackson.

397

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

sion so fully forget herself as to fully appreciate the state
of others whether of fortune or misfortune, to felicitate
or commiserate. A trait of Mrs. Madison is made evi-
dent by the contrast of these two letters. Mrs. Seaton
in her first observation of Mrs. Madison made her im-
pression indelible — "but /, and I am by no means singular
in the opinion, believe that Mrs. Madison's conduct would
be graced by propriety were she placed in the most ad-
verse circumstances of life." The impression had the
prophetic with it. The letter to her son shows that she
had reached the end or come "at a stand" with the means
for support. With this terrible condition confronting,
Mrs. Madison declined to execute any paper which might
deceive for credit. "I have nothg to convey away nor
with which to benefit myself." Here is heroism. The
moralizing by one who has not undergone experience and
temptation is to "become as sounding brass, or a tinkling
cymbal." The one who has suffered and resisted can
rightfully support and strongly support the similar situ-
ated. Mrs. Madison smiled to her friends and suffered
to herself and complained to no one save her son on
whom she had claim.

Sept 24th 1847.—

My beloved — I am too sensible to all the troubles you
encounter but I trust in Our Heavenly Father who has
in His Mercy supported us to this day — let your faith be
in Him, with prayers for His continued Goodnefs, to us,
who are nothing without Him.

I entrusted the letters and some account of the Astor
businefs, to Col. Bomford who promised his faithful at-
tention— but I have recd only verbal accts from him, thro'
his wife. — He says he has "made every effort to con-
verse with him in vain" — that he cannot converse — that
his watchful friends do all that for him — and that the

398

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

prospect of gaining on his former feelings seems hopelefs
— as he can neither listen nor reply. It is thought he will
live but a short time, as he now lives on the milk of a
wet nurse.

— I am afraid the facility of borrowing in the North
could not be extended to our situation, when the same
obstructions exist with a multitude of others. I have
borrowed as you must know to live since and before we
parted last, but now I am at a stand, until supplies come
from you — I will as you advise take care of "such men"
whom I detest too much even to hear their defence.

I hope Mr Robinson &• yourself will make wise &
efficeint conclusions in the case of Walker and every
other in dispute. I take for granted that all will be
granted with that immovable calmnefs of spirit which
has been found the wisest.

I hope to see you in health and good prospects when
you come to visit me in October — you will let me hear
from you when you can.

I send you more papers but object to your returning
the like. I cannot think of any Deed being necefsary
for the purpose you mention. I have noths to convey
away nor with which to benefit myself. My eye rebels.
Adieu for this time.

To Mrs. Madison:

accept the enclosed mitts my beloved friend, as an evi-
dence that you were not forgotten ; and whilst my fingers
were employed netting them my heart was clinging still
closer & closer to yours — They are an imperfect speci-
men of my work owing to the difficulty of geting ma-
terials in the country were them for my sake, however;
and I will try to do better.

I am very anxious to see you and my dear child Anne
— and will spend some hours with you when the weather
is cooler — for this is weather that suits not either you or
me for exercise — Keep in view therefore till we meet

Your friend —

IT T f»p

October 18th— 1847—

399

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison to General Winfield S. Scott, recom-
mending William J. Corcoran :

I take the liberty dear General Scott to salute you with
anxious wishes for your safety and happinefs — May the
reward of glory which has so long distinguished your
character, await you everywhere. Your family are well
— precious Cornelia will come to Washington this day
from a marriage in Alexandria when I shall speak of
and remember her tender and good father.
* * *

Your constant friend
Washington Ocf 23th 1847

it>'

Will Mrs Madison do her young friend, Lilly Page
the favor to accept this little Christmas offering, — The
basket was made by the children of an Orphan Asylum
in Clarke County Virginia

Saturday

Dec 25th (1847)

I am indeed proud of sweet Lilly's remembrance and
even more so of yours my very dear Mrs. Page I should
sooner have assured you of this and my thousand thanks
and good wishes for your and your children's happinefs
but the cold winds and rains with the misfortunes de-
prived me of the power and pleasure of hailing you on
Christmas day.

400

CHAPTER X

1848-1849

RS. PEARSON requests the pleasure of Mrs.
Madison's company on Thursday evening Jan-
uary 13th at i/2 8 o'clock.
Brentwood January 5th (1848)

In Mrs. Thornton's diary is with the marginal date,
November 3, 1810:

Dr T visited Mr Pearson on his marriage with Miss
Brent.

The Brents lived at time of wedding at the southwest
intersection of Maryland avenue and Twelfth street.*
Sir Augustus Foster mentions it as one of the three gen-
tlemen's houses, he recollects. Mr. Brent, was the Mayor.
Eleanor and Joseph were the bride and groom's given
names. The groom was a member from North Carolina
and had the argument with firearms on the field of honor
with Mrs. Madison's brother-in-law as already related.
Mr. Pearson had subsequently another bride ; and finally
a third, a Miss Worthington of Georgetown. Mrs. Pear-
son, the final, is she who invites Mrs. Madison to Brent-
wood. Her daughter married Augustus Jay, of the
rightly-renowned Jay family. He for many years was
the Secretary of the American legation at France.

Richmond Enquirer, Tuesday, August 18, 1829:

Washington, 5th August, 1829.

The late recess of the Circuit Court, and the several
recent excursions of the Executive Officers of the gov-

*Pictured in Robert Brent, First Mayor of Washington City.
James Dudley Morgan, M.D.

401

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ernment, formed an interval of leisure to those here,
who, for the last two months, had accustomed themselves
to watch the proceedings of the one and the engage-
ments of the other. It afforded me the opportunity of
visiting some distant scenery of the district, not very
accessible in winter. Among these, are several beautiful
improvements above Georgetown, and the interspersion
of the wood lands, north of the city, by several tasteful
edifices; among which are the mansions of Col. Bom-
ford, Meridian Hill, Mr. Pairo's stately dwelling,* the
abortive college,! and the classic abode of the hon. Jos-
eph Pierson.

The first mentioned is the celebrated Kalorama, where
resided the late Joel Barlow. * * * The mansion
has long been tenanted by devotees of letters and phy-
sical science ; and the grounds formed and decorated by
the taste of Mrs. Barlow and her hospitable and ac-
complished sister.

* * *

Proceeding along the same summit, eastwardly, I
passed the College, in a decaying state, several rude
farms, crossed the Tyber, and in the midst of a grove
of native oaks, arrived at the house of Mr. Pierson.
It stands on the high grounds east of the Tyber, and
one mile from the Capitol: and is without a question
the handsomest private mansion in the district.

The mansion was the thought of Dr. Thornton.

Although under the shelter of the

"Earth's tall sons, the cedar, oak and pine,"
the mansion is decaying.

*S near Twenty-third street. Still standing.
tColumbia College — Fourteenth Street extended.

402

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The negro poet, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, of it lines:

An' de big house stan's all quiet lak an' solemn,
Not a blessed soul in pa'lor, poch, er lawn;
Not a guest, ner not a ca'iage lef to hand 'em,
Tu' de ones, dat tu'ned de latch-string out an' gone.

The strangeness which is fact surpasses the strangeness
which is fancy. No novelist has had the ingenuity to
create in fiction a litigation with the entanglement and
intricacy to equal that in truth — the Myra Clark Gaines
litigation. But if a novelist had, it would be criticized
as too wild for a chance of probability. No encyclopaedic
narration can be more than an outline. Applcton's En-
cyclopedia contains a review, clear even if concise. In
that celebrated case where many moves, moves with results
retrogressive and progressive in the course towards the
persistent claimant's ultimate triumph. Myra Clark's
first husband was M. W. Whitney of New York ; her sec-
ond, Edmund Pendleton Gaines, Brigadier-General, U.
S. A.

Mrs. Gaines will be happy to see Mrs. Madison on
Tuesday evening next.

Saturday Feb. 12th (1848)
Browns Hotel

Jacob Barker, as said, was a banker. And he was a
merchant. At port in a day (April 14, 1812), were
anchored five ships of Mr. Barker's; one of these, white
and rustling went, proudly out to sea, as Lady Madison.
The name indexed an admiration by the banker and mer-
chant. Mr. Barker was a financial agent in the negotia-
tion of large loans in which he was singularly successful.
Charles J. Ingersoll, the historian of the second war,
compares his service in that as important as the service

403

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of the Financier of the American Revolution, Robert
Morris, in it. Mr. Barker aspired to control the banks,
the insurance companies and the manufactories. He was
on that account indited for conspiracy. He defended
himself and successfully. Mr. Barker, consequently, con-
sidered himself adapted for the law. He qualified and
in New Orleans practiced. Mr. Barker said "thou,"
"thee" and "thy" like a Quaker and Mrs. Barker dressed
just like a Quakeresss. He had a brother who was
known as Abraham, the Dutchman.

The controversy over the rescue of the Washington
portrait broke out thirty and odd years after the event
with gathered fierceness. Besides the claimant, M. John
Sioussat; Dr. Carroll claimed on behalf of his father.
Dr. Charles J. Carroll was the son of Charles Carroll
of BelleVue, the brother of Daniel Carroll of Dudding-
ton. BelleVue was the name of his patrimonial estate
and he used to identify himself from Charles Carroll
of Carrollton, a collateral branch. This extract is suffi-
cient to show the claim of saving the much saved por-
trait :

The circumstances, notorious in the district at the
time, were as follows : On the morning of the 24th,
at the request of the President, with Mr. Monroe, my
father accompanied him, and they set out to see Gen-
eral Winder, and to reconnoitre the enemy, &c; that
on their way towards Bladensburg, the President's horse
(or Mr. Monroe's) becoming suddenly lame, he ex-
changed with my father, who returned to the city, and
by invitation of Mr. Madison, stopped to dine, en fani-
ille, with Mrs. Madison, which he did, and they were
sitting at table alone, after dinner, when the President's
servant entering, announced the battle and the defeat
— that Mrs. Madison must immediately make her es-
cape over to Maj. Carroll's (my father's house in

404

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Georgetown,) and thence with the family out to his
farm — that on the instant, ordering Mrs. Madison's
carriage, and rising from the table, taking down the
picture, he, with his penknife, cut out or detached (in
some way separating) from the frame in which it hung,
the original portrait of Washington, and himself saved
that portrait.

Mr. Barker has his account in a letter to Dr. Carroll :*

As soon as our troops broke and retreated the Presi-
dent sent his servant to warn his good lady of her
danger, with directions to leave immediately. This mes-
senger must have reached the White House by two
o'clock, and Mrs. Madison, Mr. and Mrs. Cutts and ser-
vants left immediately thereafter. * * *

Whether I found your father there or whether he
came in subsequently, I do not know; but I do know
that he assisted in taking down the portrait of Wash-
ington and left the house with the President, leaving
the portrait on the floor of the room in which it had
been suspended to take care of itself, where it remained
until the remnant' of our army, reduced to about four
thousand, passed by, taking the direction of George-
town, when the portrait was taken by Mr. Depeyster
and myself, assisted by two colored boys from the said
room; and with it we fell into the trail of the army
and continued with it some miles.

Overtaken by night and greatly fatigued, we sought
shelter in a farm house. No other persons assisted in
removing or preserving the picture.

Westport Connecticut Feby 3rd 1848 —
M" James Madison
Respected Madam
In May last I sent you the Herald, containing a Nar-
rative from Jacob Barker & a Letter from myself; the
Object being, to show, through whose agency the Por-

*Social Life in the Early Republic. Anne Hollingsworth
Wharton.

405

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

trait of Washington was saved at the burning of the
President's House in August 1814 by the British. To
you, the Credit was alone given and the Narrative above
referred to, proves, at your suggestion it was preserved.
The Herald of Monday Morning 31 s* Ulto contains a
Letter, under the Signature of Daniel I. Carroll, giving
the credit to his Father & attempts to disprove the State-
ment of Mr B & myself.

I was the companion of Mr B — during this visit to
the capital on that eventful day, & I cannot permit the
Credit justly due you to be thus taken away, & awarded
to another, without an effort to obtain (with a view to
publication) from you what passed on that occasion.
I should be gratified by the receipt of a Letter, as early
as your convenience will permit, confirming the cor-
rectness of the statement being in the following Words
Mr Barker, I wish, if you save, to destroy the Portrait
of General Washington, the Eagles, which ornament
the Drawing Room, & the four cases of papers' which
you will find in the President's private room. The Por-
trait I am very anxious to save, as it is the Only Origi-
nal by Stuart; at all events do not let them fall into
the hands of the enemy, as their capture would enable
them to make a great flourish.

The Picture was saved, & safely restored to the
President's Mansion.

I was then young, & remember distinctly the above
request, and aided to carry out your patriotic instruc-
tions. My Own Letter, which accompanied the Nar-
rative, stated my object, I had in view, & I hope under
your own signature, to prove the truth of our joint
declarations.

Very Respectfully,
Your obedt

Robt. G. L. De Peyster.

P. S. The Herald containing
Mr. Carroll's Letter, I now
send you.

R. G. L. D. P.

406

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison made the requested corroboration:

Washington, February 11th, 1848.

Dear Sir: I did not receive your favor containing
the newspapers, and therefore in my impatience to as-
sure you of my gratitude for the interest you take in
my defence in the little narrative of the picture rescue.

You will see by the enclosed what was said at the
time. The impression that Mr. Carroll saved Stuart's
portrait of Washington is erroneous. The paper which
was to accompany your letter has not reached me, but
I have heard that his family believed he rescued it.
On the contrary, Mr. Carroll had left me to join Mr.
Madison, when I directed my servants in what manner
to remove it from the wall, remaining until it was done.
I saw Mr. Barker and yourself (the two gentlemen al-
luded to) passing, and accepted your offer to assist me,
in any way, by inviting you to help me to preserve this
portrait, which you kindly carried, between you. to the
humble but safe roof which sheltered it awhile. I acted
thus because of my respect for General Washington —
not that I felt a desire to gain laurels ; but, should there
be a merit in remaining an hour in danger of life and
liberty to save the likeness of anything, the merit in
this case belongs to me.

Accept my respect and best wishes.

D. P. Madison.
To Robert G. L. Depeyster,
Westport, Connecticut.

The letter of Mrs. Madison to her son, February 19th,
1848, announces the death of her sister, Mrs. Todd. Mrs.
Madison, the eldest daughter, survived all the others.

I now write to you my beloved not that I have any
thing very cheering to say, but that I wish to afsure
you of my constant thoughts, & prayers.

407

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

You have seen no doubt, that my ever dear sister
departed this life some days ago — Wm wrote me that
it was by apoplexy.

The writings of my Husband will be purchased by
Congrefs but no one can say at what time, as the Mem-
bers are more interested in the acquirement of Oregon,
& other speculations. I have some attentive friends on
the Committee who wish to be benefit me, as most of
the Honoble body of Congrefs — by naming 25000$ —
the interest of which will to be place at my command
during life & devised as I like — They suject that it
will be more to my interest that no interference from
any other source shall be seen.

I lay this before you that you may decide with me
that our course is acquiesce when nothing better is to
be done.

Westport February 25th 1848

Mrs D. P. Madison
Respected Madam

Your Letter with statement, I received in due course
of mail. I return you my thanks, for the prompt re-
ply to my wishes, requesting your confirmation of the
Picture rescue, and the Object I had in view, is now
accomplished to place before the country, your sole
agency in this affair, and without your suggestion, this
Valuable Portrait of Washington would have shared
the fate of every thing else, after you left White House.
I requested the Editors of the Express to send a copy,
& in fears they have not, I enclose one to you. Wishing
you many years of health & happiness,
Remain

Very Respectfully

Your obedt

Robt. G. L. De Peyster.

408

MRS. TOBIAS LEAR

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

To Mrs. Madison by her niece, Rose Adele Cutts :

Academy of the Visitation
Georgetown, D. C. Feb. 28th 1848.
My own dear Aunt,

I cannot allow another week to pass by, without writ-
ing to you, but I warn you before hand, that you will
not find my letter interesting, as we school girls never
hear any news, and things go on in the same quiet man-
ner every day. — I know you were very sorry to hear
of old Mr Adams' death : it was quite sudden, and I
suppose it will cast quite a gloom over the city. — Mama
came to see me last week, and I need not tell you how
glad I was to see her: give my best love to coz. and tell
her that I think she is a very naughty young lady, not
to answer my letter: and I will not write to her again
until she does answer it. I hope to see you on Sat-
urday after next, when I shall visit home, but I will
only stay until Sunday evening. At Easter we shall
have a week's holy-day, during which time, I expect to
enjoy myself very much. We are going to have some
plays on Shove Tuesday and I am very glad for I love
to look at them. We shall see "the Stranger" & "the
Omnibus" which are both very pretty. Do you re-
member Miss Sarah Linton who became a nun? She
with 9 other Sisters from our house have gone to Phila-
delphia there to found a monastery of their order. I
fear before now you have grown tired of my uninter-
esting letter, so I will close with much love to all, but
particularly to my dear Mama, Papa & Maddy: Do
not forget to answer my letter as soon as you have time.
Adieu, my dear Aunt,

I remain your affectionate niece

Addy Cutts. —

Marian Gouveneur says :*

I knew Madison Cutts' daughter, Rose Adele Cutts,
or "Addie" Cutts, as she was invariably called, when

*As I Remember; Recollections of American Society During the
Nineteenth Century.

409

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

she first entered society. Her reputation for beauty is
well known. I always associate her with japonicas,
which she usually wore in her hair and of which her
numerous bouquets were chiefly composed. Her father
frequently accompanied her to balls, and in the wee
small hours of the night, as he became weary, I have
often been amused at his summons to depart — "Addie,
allons." As quite a young woman Addie Cutts married
Stephen A. Douglas, the "Little Giant," whom Lincoln
defeated in the memorable presidential election of 1860.
* * * Some years after Douglas' death, his widow
married General Robert Williams, U. S. A. by whom
she had a number of children, one of whom is the wife
of Lieut. Commander John B. Patton, U. S. N.

William Wilson Corcoran, the philanthropist. The
phrase of distinction, if not always mentioned, is always
thought and goes with his name as title go with the truly
entitled. Mr. Corcoran was born in Georgetown and
was the son of an Irish emigrant. He was a banker;
he negotiated loans for the general government; he was
surpassing successful. His fortune was large, very large ;
yet not to compare with the Croesus amassments of the
succeeding generation. Of the surplus, he made sensible
and substantial donations. His charities and endowments
were and are of real benefit. He gave to art, to charity,
to church and to praiseworthy projects to particularize
would take pages ; however, to omit the two to be referred
to would be an oversight even in the slightest sketch.

The Corcoran Galley of Art he richly endowed. Its
continuous collecting of examples of brush and chisel
has been discriminate and in the entirety is an artistic
pride of the country.

Mr. Corcoran married, 1835, Louise Armory, the
daughter of Commodore Charles Morris. She died No-
vember 21, 1840. Her daughter, Louise Morris, was

410

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

born March 20, 1838. She married George Eustis, a
Member of Congress of Louisiana. She died, Decem-
ber 4, 1867, at Cannes, France, by three children sur-
vived. She was amiable and admirable. And yet to
this day there is sadness in her going and the thought
comes the good go on too soon before.

In the papers prized by Mrs. Madison is a visiting card.
On it is engraved the name and under the name is the
invitation pencilled: (1848)

Wm W. Corcoran
At home Monday Feb. 28th at S]/2 o'clock.

Mr. Corcoran was a creditor of Mrs. Madison. He
accommodated her with loans. The financial strength
was weak; the moral risk was strong — that is how Mr.
Corcoran, the banker, estimated her credit. She paid the
loans in full. His relation with Mrs. Madison from the
financial, followed to the friendly, and he had the friendly
footing to talk freely.

Mr. Corcoran: Mrs. Madison, may I ask, how old
are you?

Mrs. Madison : I am seventy-two, Mr. Corcoran.

The next year —

Mr. C. : Mrs. Madison, how old are you?

Mrs. M. : I am seventy-two, Mr. Corcoran.

And, the next year after that year —

Mr. C. : Mrs. Madison, how old are you?

Mrs. M. : I am seventy-two, Mr. Corcoran.

Mr. Corcoran endowed a home for gentlewomen. This
unique philanthropy, he named in honor of his wife and
his daughter — The Louise Home. It is an entire front
of a city square — Massachusetts avenue between Fifteenth

411

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

and Sixteenth streets. The selection of site indicates the
same foresight that Mr. Corcoran exercised in his finan-
cial affairs. It is the choicest spot in the most beautiful
city of the nation. The home, that is, the building, is
within a park of its own — vines, shrubbery, trees and
walks. Over the iron railing in front swings gracefully a
wistaria; beside the main entrance on either side stands
sentinel, a magnolia tree. In the spring-time, the purple
pendents of the wistaria and the flood of bloom of the
magnolia are significant of renewal of youth like the
eagles. In the evenings, the cultured guests of the home
are seen on the porticoes and the walks. They are pre-
sumably in the evening of life but their chatter and cheer
indicate a mistaken presumption and that these ladies
so young in heart have renewal of youth as often as the
fresh and fragrant wistaria and magnolias.

To Mifs Louise Corcoran

March 2 Is; 48.

Accept my best thanks precious Louise for your beau-
tiful present — a cake covered with kifses — what a grati-
fying gift to the friend who loves you. I am disposed
to preserve it & shew it to you on your next natal day,
as an afsurance of the affection I bear you & the respect
I cherish for the estimable qualities you aVeadv mani-
fest, at the early period of ten years- -
Fond Salivations

D. P. M.

Dear Mrs Madison

Accept my warmest thanks for your kind attention
to my request for the loan of your portrait for copy —
upon consulting my friend Mr Bisbee the artist, for
whom I borrowed it, we have come to the conclusion
that it will be more gratifying to ourselves & your
numerous friends to have a portrait taken from life of

412

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

one so loved & so highly respected as yourself — it
would appear more natural to us to see you as you now
are than as you appeared some years ago and knowing
with what kindnefs & condescension you are always
ready to extend to your friends, if in your power, has
induced me to make the attempt. We tender you &
yours our best wishes.

My love attends you

Elizabeth C. Dietz

Washington
To Mrs. D. Madison March 22d 1848

Delicately humorous is Mrs. Madison's allusion to the
stamp of age; yet upon her visage nature had leniently
done the stamping. It was the stamp "Of virtue, truth
well tried, and wise experience." Women-kind are
sensitive of their accumulated years — and so the men;
but of the women-kind, Mrs. Madison was more than
ordinarily so. And at four score years, Mrs. Madison
might hesitate to subject herself to the weariness incident
to the infirmity of advanced age.

To Mrs. Elizabeth C. Dietz

March '48.
I am very sorry to have given my kind Mrs. Dietz
& our good artist so much trouble in the translation
of a wayward face — such mine must have been to have
changed so much & unnecefsarily for our accommo-
dation— what say you to the likenefs by Wood which
I send for choice, being too indisposed to sit at present.

D. P. M.

Mrs. Dietz, February 2, 1848, wrote Mr. Elwell wants
to commence her picture tomorrow. And, May 15, 1848,
from Springfield, Mass., came:

I am also happy to inform you the picture of Mrs.
Madison is most happily received.

W. S. Elwell.

413

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The American Hemans. Lydia Howard Huntley
Sigourney was born Huntley. She began her "earthly
pilgrimage" in Norwich, Connecticut, September 1, 1791.
She says "no earthly pilgrimage, if faithfully portrayed
in its true lights and shadows, but might impart some in-
struction to a future traveller" and with this modest in-
centive she has given her's in Letters of Life.

She had a constant and confidential friend, her jour-
nal, from her eleventh year to her ending year ; she died
June 10, 1865. To the reminding of this friend, when
there might be a slip of forgetfulness, is the pilgrimage
on paper correct and complete.

The influence of family and environment were severely
religious, and her own inclinations were in accord. Her
life was decorous and devout. Her poetry is praise and
prayer; her prose pleading for piety.

Her father was a widower when he met the beautiful
girl who was to be her mother or to use Mrs. Sigourney's
way of saying it, "garnered up his heart in a new trust"
after he had "passed several years of lonely mourning."
Mrs. Sigourney was an only child.

She, herself, was partial to a ready-made family for
the widower she chose in her twenty-eighth year for a
life companion had three children. In the meantime, she
had been a school-dame, very conscientious, very indus-
trious, very successful, very much loving and very much
beloved.

Charles Sigourney, was considerably older than the
school mistress for whose heart his own was affected and
his age was agreeable to her perchant for the friendship
of men older than herself. He built a mansion on a
height with extensive grounds in the suburbs of Hart-
ford on the borders of the Connecticut. Down by the
river was a tryst for those who required more wooing

414

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

than a single letter and several glances — for that was all
between the merchant and school mistress, indeed, she
did not countenance flirtation neither loiter in the pur-
lieus of matrimony.

The authoress's writings in poetry and prose are pro-
digious; they make a little library. Their production is
through a period of half a century (1815-1865). She
says: "There was a long period after I became a writer
for the public, when periodical literature flourished
abundantly. * * * On this sea of miscellany I was
allured to embark, and having set sail, there was no re-
turn. I think now with amazement, and almost incre-
dulity, of the number of articles I was induced by the
urgency of editors to furnish. Before I ceased to keep
a regular catalogue, they had amounted to more than
two thousand. Some of these were afterwards compre-
hended in selections, though enough for several volumes
must still be floating about, like sea-weed among the
noteless billows. They were divided among three hun-
dred different publications."

The authoress visited England, Scotland and France,
1840. She was presented to royalty and received by the
high in the republic of letters. The reference in Mrs.
Madison's letter to the Queen of France is to Marie
Amelie, the consort of Louis Philippe, who was deposed
February, 1848. In 1825, a few months in advance of
Lafayette, she and Mr. Sigourney visited Mr. Jefferson
at Monticello and Mr. and Mrs. Madison at Montpellier.
Her visit to Montpellier she commemorated in verse. She
visited Mrs. Madison in Washington and in Anne Royall's
The Huntress, February, 1847, is "Washington City was
honored with the presence of three of America's most
talented authoresses — Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, Mrs. A. L..
Phelps and Mrs. Ann S. Stephens."

415

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington, April 4th, 1848

To Mrs Sigourney,
Hartford,

Connecticut.

How shall I plead my apology to thee my very dear
Friend for such a seeming of neglect to answer thy
beautiful and highly prized letters — my Valentine too —
a rare favor for me to receive and fascinating as rare!
The girls of every age have been candidates for it, but I
am too proud of the distinction to allow them more than
a copy.

To give you a brief account of myself and those around
me since we parted I at once manifest my misfortune in
my cause of silence — inflamed eyes, forbidding the use
of pen and white paper — They are slowly mending and
I hasten to beg the place I prize so highly in your esti-
mation— and to be still remembered by you and your
daughter.

I have thought of you and how much and how sadly
your feelings would be disturbed at the Revolution so
lately begun and apparently ended — Still that estimable,
amiable, Queen, who was your friend, will be forever
anxious for her Husband, her children and for France
— and I am sure will have a deep sympathy in your re-
membrance of her.

I embrace you dear Friend with lively affection —
and as usual promise when my eye is well to be a better
correspondent.

D. P. Madison.

To Mrs. Duncan:

I have just time my dear Mrs Duncan (whilst your
servant waits) to salute you with my best thanks for
your nice old Ham — and to charge you with the same
regard for our kind Mr Duncan — whose flattering con-
sideration for the health of a stranger will be grateful

416

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

to one who sets a value on the notice of a gentleman so
estimable as himself.

Adieu — All pleasantnefs attend you on your journey.

D. P. Madison

Apl 6th 1848.

Garnett Duncan for Mrs. Duncan sends some snipe,
December 9, 1848. Mr. Duncan was a Kentuckian and
represented Kentucky in the House, December 6, 1847,
to March 3, 1849. Mr. Duncan admired Mrs. Madison;
and practically proved his admiration — by kindness and
helpfulness.

Born, nurtured, wedded, prized, within the pale
Of peers and princes, high in camp — at Court —
He hears in joyous youth, a wild report,

Swelling the murmurs of the Western gale,

Of a young people struggling to be free !

Straight quitting all, across the wave he flies,

Aids with his sword, wealth, blood, the high emprize!

And shares the glories of its victory.

Then comes for fifty years, a high romance

Of toils, reverses, sufferings, in the cause
Of man and justice, liberty and France,

Crowned, at the last, with hope and wide applause,
Champion of Freedom! Well thy race was run!

All time shall hail thee, Europe's noblest Son!

D. P. Madison

Washington April 25th 1848.

The poetical tribute to Lafayette, Mrs. Madison had
copied, and she signed it, in the album of Mrs. James J.
Roosevelt. It is a truthful voice of her estimation.

To Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton (Mrs. Alexander Ham-
ilton) :

Apl 25th 48
My dear M™ Hamilton

I am delighted with the specimen of your work, with
which you have favored me this morning. It is beau-

417

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

tiful. & precious, coming from your hands — I shall
always preserve it for your sake — and beg you now to
accept my affte salutations for yourself & Mrs Holly.*

The note to her son is in her handwriting and very
tremulous.

My dear son I enclose you $50 — it may be of some
acct in fixing clothes &c Nothing has yet been done
in congrefs — When is I'll let you know immediately.
As soon as you receive this let me know that it is safe
with you.

My eyes are not wel1.
May 9th 48

To Mrs. J. Madison Cutts:

Monday.

I was so engaged all yesterday, my sweet, that I could
not take the pen to tell you that all you did for Mary
was in the best style of kindness and propriety.

Be pleased to send Ralph for the -proper gloves and
shoes.

Yours ever,

D. P. Madison.f

The scene has the action of melodrama. An incendiary
fires the house; a neighbor discovers the fire; he warns
the servants. The faithful servant, Ralph, through the
obscurity of smoke swiftly speeds upstairs and arouses
the sleeping Mistress and the Mistress's daughter. She
and her daughter are saved. She thinks the second
second after her rescue of the safety of the trunk and its
thirty thousand dollars of treasure. The faithful Ralph
bounds upward and downward again while the fires
crackle. The valuable manuscripts are rescued that are

♦Mrs. Hamilton Holly, Mrs. Hamilton's daughter.
fDolly Madison. J. Madison Cutts.

418

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

to rescue her from indigence and calm her fretting credi-
tors. These scenes of rescue in the first act are hardly
acted before the neighbors arrive and with buckets drown
the flames that are destroying the Dolly Madison house.
A biographer has told with more thrill the exciting epi-
sode having more circumstances than Mrs. Madison gave
her son.

Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison:

About this time she had a most providential escape
from a fire started by incendiaries, who placed matches
between the shutters of the hall window and the stair-
case of her house. As the flames began to ascend
towards her room in the early morning, a neighbor
aroused the servants, and the man, Ralph, rushing
towards his mistress' room, broke down the door and
found her quietly sleeping in the midst of dense clouds
of smoke. "Mistress," he cried, "I have come to save
you," and awakening to the consciousness of danger to
her husband's letters and papers, as more important than
her own life, she refused to leave until the frightened
servants secured them; then Ralph seized her in his
arms, rushed down the burning staircase, out of a side
door, and placed her in safety in a remote corner of
the garden. The fire was soon extinguished by kind
neighbors, and Mrs. Madison laughingly returned, clad
in a black velvet gown and night-cap, and with bare feet.

To John Payne Todd :

You have seen by the Gazettes, my dear son, that
we had an alarm of fire in our house on last Saturday
week — at 4 o'clock in the morns our chamber door was
afsailed by Ralph who begged Annie & myself to come
down immediately, whilst the stairs remained — we did
so, thro' a crackling fire — losing not a moment we
reached the garden ground — he returned and brought

419

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

me down the trunk of papers — when our neighbors (just
awakened) came to our afsistance, and soon separated
the fire from the window frame in which it had made
great progrefs. It has been supposed to be the work
of an incendiary and the watch is nightly around the
City. — Yesterday Congrefs pafsed the Bill for the pur-
chase of Mr Madison's papers — I will enclose you the
newspapers — and beg you will tell me whether you have
recd my letter enclosing a $50 note — also to say when
you think you can come to me, and whether you have
any papers to send me which you think would be better
added to those I have. — You promised me to be ready
with Harper directions — they are now wanting, as well
as all other advice you can give or bring me.
Your affectionate

Mother.
Sunday May 21st 48.

For the purchase of the letters of Mr. Madison, Con-
gress, May 31, 1848, appropriated in favor of Mrs. Mad-
ison, twenty-five thousand dollars. Twenty thousand
of which was vested in James Buchanan, Secretary of
State, John Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy, and Rich-
ard Smith, Esq., to invest in stocks for her benefit. The
trust fund she could dispose of by last will and testa-
ment.* The Senate bill, in the House, had determined
opposition by the economists, the mention of whose
names now recalls nobody, save Andrew Johnson; it
had, to pass it on her birthday, the eloquent appeal of
Alexander H. Stephens.

The purchase had been under Congressional consider-
ation several years. Her friend, Dromgoole, December
17, 1844, produced Mrs. Madison's letter offering the
remainder of the Madison manuscripts and then offered

*Statutes at Large. IX, 235.
420

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

a resolution, which was adopted, authorizing purchase
and printing. These letters are in the manuscript di-
vision of the Library of Congress. The purchase of
the letters at the time may have been made to assist
Mrs. Madison. However more than equivalent for the
consideration was given. The letters are of incalculable
historic worth and now in the autographic market more
than equal in a financial exchange.

J. Madison Cutts, a grandnephew, writes:

But I remember her best in the last years of her life,
when I often looked into her face and with a child's
instinct knew she was in distress, and my father told
me she was poor, and often being the bearer from him
of small sums of money, I knew that she was in need
and want, and well do I remember running from the
Senate chamber as an avant-courier of my father the
moment the Senate by its vote passed the bill making
an appropriation of $25,000 to purchase the remaining
letters and papers of Mr. Madison. Thus did Congress
and a grateful country relieve her last distresses, and I
arrived out of breath the first to bring her the glad
tidings which made us all happy for her dear sake.

To Mrs. Morris, wife of Commodore Morris, I and
Fifteenth streets, N.W., on receiving a birthday gift:

My very dear Mrs. Morris

The gift from your hands is more precious than I
can exprefs — bearing, in your good wishes for me heal-
ing on its wings — for these, as well as the beautiful
shawl, I thank you. And I must say that the coun-
tenance of your Husband, beaming with health & kind-
nefs, was delightful to me, on Annie's lively eves.
Constant affection

D. P. M.
May 22d 48

421

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Harriet Bowen Coolidge in her ninety-sixth year at
her residence, 1515 L, passed on, November 10, 1911.
She was the widow of Dr. Richard H. Coolidge, U.
S. A., and daughter of Commodore Charles Morris, of
fame on the fighting ship, Constitution. With Mrs.
Madison she exchanged visits.

Jones' Hotel, Philad

May 23.

Will you allow me dear Mrs. Madison to be among
the many friends to congratulate you upon the pleasing
news from Congrefs which came to you upon your
birth-day ?

I am sure you will, and I kifs you in thought, and
dear Annie too, and afsure her that no lover ever treas-
ured a note more than I have the last one she wrote me.

The bride & groom (Mr. & Mrs. Baker — Mary
Lane) are here and she is looking very lovely. I was
at her wedding and I think she is one of the few who
can bear a bridal attire at 8 o'clock in the morning,
& be pronounced lovely — as she was.

Mr. Plitt begs to join me in warm wishes for your
continued health.

Very truly, dear Mrs. Madison, your sincere friend,

Sophie Wager Plitt.

Dear Mrs. Madison,

I cannot refrain from offering you my respectful
sympathy and congratulations, on the interesting cir-
cumstances of which our friends and the papers have
apprised us : the return of an anniversary always so
memorable to you, and the gratifying decisions, and evi-
dence of public sympathy, which commemorated it.
May you for many years enjoy the return of that day
in uninterrupted health and happiness.

422

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

With the kindest remembrance to Miss Paine, I re-
main always, dear Madam,

With much respect and affection,
Yrs,
Hartford, Anna Coolidge.

27th May.

Anna Coolidge was the youngest sister of Joseph
Coolidge, Jr., who married Eleanora Wayles Randolph,
granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson. With the wed-
ding present of a writing desk went a note by him in
the third person: * * * "and is the identical one
on which he wrote the Declaration of Independence."
Miss Coolidge married Colonel William Edgar Prince
of New York.

Westport May 29th 1848
Mrs. D. P. Madison
Respected Madam

Dr. Carroll has thought proper to publish another
Letter, on the subject of the Picture rescue, still im-
puting to his Father, the suggestion, that led to its pres-
ervation, and attempting to fix the credit upon his
Father. I sent Mr. Barker, now residing in New Or-
leans, the reply of Dr. Carroll and the former has this
day, sent me the Daily Crescent published in that City,
containing Mr. Barker's rejoinder. As it vindicates
your statement which I can attest having been present
at the time, and believing it will prove interesting to
you, I enclose it. I hope, facts & proofs, so firmly
established, will put at last, any further attempt of the
Dr to deprive you of the credit, so justly due you of
saving the picture of Washington.
Respectfully

Robt G. L. De Peyster

New Orleans, May 5, 1848.
^ James Gordon Bennett, Esq. — Dear Sir : Doctor
Carroll has appeared again in the columns of your paper.

423

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

It is strange that he does not understand human nature
better than to indulge in coarse epithets and vulgar
phrase. This is an age of reason and dignity of thought,
and he who expects to make a favorable impression on
the public mind by such scurrility as the Doctor has in-
dulged in, will find himself mistaken.

I should have deemed the author of such epistles
unworthy of notice, had they not found a place in a
respectable newspaper. Your having thought proper to
give publicity to this man's abuse of me, it would have
been kind in you to have published, in your invaluable
paper, Mrs. Madison's statement, and my reply to his
first effusion, which effusion appeared in The Herald of
the 31st January last. In days past, you seemed to
delight in vindicating your old friend, and did it with
great ability and success, insomuch that you corrected
and controlled the public opinion of the nation.
* * *

My statement was written on the 8th of February,
and published in the New Orleans Delta of the 11th
February, and Mr. Depuyster's letter was written in
Connecticut on the 15th February, consequently before
he had seen my statement; and nothing could be more
natural than the conclusion he drew from that of Mrs.
Madison's, viz: that Mr. Charles Carroll had no agency
whatever in this matter; and as to Mr. Carroll's cutting
the canvass from the frame with a penknife, as the
Doctor alleges, no such thing happened. — The canvass
was extended on a light wooden frame, placed in the
usual way within a gilt frame, and the latter was se-
cured to the wall, which latter was broken down, and
the light frame with the canvass taken out perfect, and
continued so until it was returned to the White House.
Whether the large gilt frame was broken down from
the wall with a penknife, or with an axe, is not of the
least consequence.

It will have been perceived that, so far as I was con-
cerned, no attempt has been made or sanctioned by me
to claim the honor of having originated the thought,

424

MRS. RICHARD BLAND LEE

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

or of having removed the portrait from the wall to the
floor. My statement is not only supported by the tes-
timony of Mrs. Madison and Mr. Depuyster, but re-
mains uncontradicted, which was, that at the bidding of
Mrs. Madison, the portrait zvas removed from the floor
of the room, in which it had been hanging, by Mr. De-
puyster and myself, aided by tzuo colored boys, and
taken by us to the woods, and subsequently returned
by me. Where, then, is the falsification of history al-
leged by this notable Doctor.

* * *

Jacob Barker.

The life limits of Jacob Barker are December 7, 1779,
and December 27, 1871. He was born in Kennebec
County, Maine; and he died in Philadelphia. He lived
"on twenty-fours a day," — did this sturdy specimen of
manhood. At twenty-one he owned four ships and a
brig and in the war of 1812, the British had them all.
On the financial waves he went high up and low down
and in consequence of the Civil War, in his eighty-
eighth year, it was his final time in bankruptcy. The
strong features of Mr. Barker are portrayed in Harper's
Cyclopedia of United States History.

June 29, 1848.

My dear Son — I sent on your trunk the morns after
you left, which I trust was safely recd by you as such
was the promise of the Captain. — At this moment I am
much distrefsed at the conversations you held, and the
determinations you exprefsed, on the subject of bring-
ing suit against my Trustees and request the favor of
you to make them easy and content, with you by the
afsurance that you abandon the idea, or that you never
had any such intention. I say all this for you because
I do not believe even yourself if you declared such an
intention, which would at once ruin your fair fame —

425

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

your mother would have no wish to live after her son
issued such threats which would deprive her of her
friends, who had no other view in taking the charge
but pure friendship. — This I do wish you to put at rest
on the receipt of this, without losing a moment. — Half
as much as I have written will be sufficient.

Mr Smith was Trustee and executor to my sister's
Will, and he is now very infirm, scarcely able to live
from day to day, but it is a deep trouble to him to
believe that he is to be harrafsed with a suit which from
every point of view would be unavailable in any one.

Your affte Mother

From the letter of May 9 to her son, it appears that
previous to the appropriation act and with no certainty
of its immediate passage, as from year to year had been
postponement, Mrs. Madison although in dire distress
herself, in some way contrived to secure fifty dollars
which she forwarded to him to "be of some ace* in fixing
clothes etc." It appears from her letter to him on the
21st of that same month that he made no acknowledg-
ment of its receipt. From the immediately preceding
letter it appears that he had made threats of attacking
the trusteeship and thereby harassing her.

The failure to express appreciation or to make any
expression at all concerning his mother's sacrifice; the
threats to create trouble about the funds in trust, to
which, or any part of which, he had no right and could
not avail in any attack, show on his part ingratitude and
maliciousness. These traits had developed and now con-
trolled him likely through dissipation and disappoint-
ment.

The undutiful and unnatural treatment, by son to
mother, rendering for good, evil, gives chance for a
dissertation on Ingratitude for here is ingratitude in
most detestable circumstances.

426

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

A poet lines

He that's ungrateful has no guilt but one;
All other crimes may pass for virtues in him.

— Young : Busiris.

Another poet, who charges that "Ingratitude more
in man" is hateful "than lying, vainness, babbling, drunk-
enness, or any taint of vice," lines :

That she may feel
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
To have a thankless child.

— Shakespeare

John Marshall was the first president of the Wash-
ington National Monument Society (1833) and James
Madison the second (1835).

On the request of the Society, Mrs. James Madison,
Mrs. John Quincy Adams and Mrs. Alexander Hamilton
effected an organization of women to assist in accumu-
lating funds. By letters, fairs and functions peculiarly
feminine, in various parts of the country, a moderate ad-
dition to the funds was the result.

To these three distinguished women invitations to be
present at the laying of the corner stone, July 4, 1848,
were addressed. Mrs. Madison came, as did Mrs. Ham-
ilton of age ninety-one. Mrs. Madison ignored the dis-
couragement of weather — however "the day was fine.
The rain had laid the dust and infused a delicious fresh-
ness in the air" — she came under the escort of General
Walter Jones.

427

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington National Monument Office,

June 21, 1848.
Mrs. James Madison:

The committee of arrangements most respectfully in-
vite you to attend the ceremony of laying the corner
stone of the Washington National Monument on the 4th
day of July next.

In accepting the presidency of the Society, Mr. Mad-
ison said : "A monument worthy of Washington,
reared by the means proposed, will commemorate at the
same time a virtue, a patriotism, and a gratitude truly
national, with which the friends of liberty everywhere
will sympathize and of which our country may always
be proud."

While your illustrious husband did not survive to see
the corner stone of the Monument laid, the committee,
in common with your fellow-citizens, rejoice that you
are in the midst of us, and that on them devolves the
pleasing duty of assuring you that your presence on
the occasion will greatly gratify the immense audience
that will be assembled.

Most respectfully yours,

Arch. Henderson,

Chairman of Committee.

To the Committee of Arrangements of the Wash-
ington National Monument.

Gentlemen: In accepting, with great sensibility, your
flattering invitation to be present with you at the im-
posing scene of laying the corner stone of the Wash-
ington National Monument I feel the highest gratifi-
cation; and believing that I can in no manner so well
express my heartfelt concurrence in my husband's
opinion, I will repeat, as you have done, his venerated
words: "A monument worthy the memory of Wash-
ington, reared by the means proposed, will commemorate
at the same time a virtue, a patriotism, and a gratitude
truly national, with which the friends of liberty every-

428

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

where will sympathize and of which our country may
always be proud."

Be pleased to accept, gentlemen, the assurances of my
great respect.

D. P. Madison.
Washington, June 22, 1848.

It is pertinent in a life of Mrs. Madison to incorporate
the responsive letters of Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs.
Adams. The three women called to exalted station by
marital choice shone lustrously. In their day and gener-
ation none excelled; and in any other, none. On the
same theme, their style of expressing themselves makes
an interest in comparison — not critical comparison.

Washington City, June 22. 1848.

To Gen. A. Henderson,

Chairman of Committee of Arrangements.

Sir: I had the honor to receive the invitation of the
Washington Monument Association to attend the cere-
mony of laying the corner stone of a National Monu-
ment on the 4th of July next at the monument I was
about to leave this city, where I have been for a very
long time engaged in an application to Congress, which,
in the probable course of human events, will be the last,
as it is the most interesting, business of my protracted
life.

The ceremony in which I am invited to participate
calls back recollections so deeply interesting to me, from
my early and intimate association with the illustrious
man to whom this tribute of a nation's gratitude is so
justly due, that I can not deny myself the great gratifi-
cation of witnessing it.

Have the goodness to make my respects to the com-
mittee and to receive my thanks for the flattering terms
in which you have communicated their invitation.
With great respect yours,

Elizabeth Hamilton.

429

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Washington National Monument Office,

June 21, 1848.
Mrs. John Quincy Adams :

* * *

It is within your knowledge that the Board of Man-
agers first invited your distinguished husband to deliver
an address on the ceremony of laying the corner stone
of the Monument. He had spoken of the lives and
characters of Monroe, Lafayette, and Madison, in com-
pliance with the wishes of his fellow-citizens, and the
people without distinction of party, without sectional or
geographical divisions, desired he should deliver the ad-
dress on the occasion mentioned. The subject was held
under consideration by him for a month, and when he
finally declined, it was solely from a prophetic convic-
tion that he might not have the mental or physical ability
to perform the service on the 22d of February, the day
then designated.*

* * *

Most respectfully yours,

Arch. Henderson,

Chairman of Committee.

Quincy, June 26, 1848.
Gen. Arch. Henderson,

Chairman of Committee of Arrangements of Wash-
ington National Monument:

I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of the
polite invitation of the committee of arrangements of
the Washington National Monument, to witness the lay-
ing of the corner stone of the monument consecrated to
the memory of the Father of his Country, immortalized
by the crowning fame of military achievement, blended
with the wisdom of the statesman and possessed of all
the solid virtues of a pure and honest man

In the choice of the orator whom you had selected
for this great occasion, allow me to express my grief

■"John Quincy Adams died February 23, 1848.
430

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

for a loss which we all deplore. Through a long and
meritorious life, he had loved and venerated the Gen-
eral, and fondly gloried in the living worth of the man
through his arduous trials and splendid career ; and who
having the felicity of his personal acquaintance, had
enjoyed his favor and protection, which led to all the
honors, through his discernment of youthful talent,
which the nation has so justly distinguished and appre-
ciated— and who would, had it pleased God to spare
him yet a little longer, have clone ample justice to a
theme in which both heart and mind would have reveled
with delight.

The infirmities of health, and the great debility under
which I labor, must plead my excuse for declining the
flattering invitation which you have done me the honor
to send me, not being able to undertake so long a jour-
ney in the heat of summer. Permit me, dear General,
to assure you, and the committee of arrangements, of
the high sense of esteem and consideration of
Your obedient servant,

Louisa Catherine Adams.

June 29 (1848)
My dear Mifs Annie

I thank your good aunt, for the permifsion to read
the papers in relation to attendance at the laying the
corner stone of the Washington monument — if she
could attend, I feel sure that every possible attention
would be paid to her comfort ; but it will no doubt be a
very dusty, hot & disagreeable occasion, & I should fear
she might be injured.

* * *

I thank you, & also Mrs. Madison, for your account
about what Mr P Todd said — most probably, he will
not move in the matter.

I feel much better today & hope "Richard will soon
be himself again."

Very trulv your friend

Rd Smith

43!

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The paragraph in which Mr. Smith thanks for the "ac-
count about what Mr. P Todd said" refers to the threat
to oppose the trusteeship of the fund appropriated by-
Congress.

Rd Smith Esqr

I know that my ever considerate Friend will forgive
my difference of opinion with him on the subject of the
appeal to our acquaintance, as it falls on my fancy like
the solicitation of one who had nothing to offer but her
claim to sympathy whereas I would recede from such a
conclusion and substitute a plain expedient such as the
enclosed.

Be pleased to select from the list I send, the gentle-
men you think most advisable to be added to the three
I have named, and then tell me how to consult them. —
or if you will kindly undertake the task.

Truly

July 10th 48.

This is Mrs. Madison's list:

Rd Smith

Dr. J. M. Thomas

Mr. W. T. Carroll

Hon. J. Y. Mason

Hon. E. A. Hannegan of Ind.

Hon. Garrett Duncan of Ky.

Hon. A. H. Stevens of Geo.

Hon. J. H. Clarke of R. I.

Hon. S. D. Hubbard of Ct.

Hon. T. H. Bavly of Va.

Hon. J. M. Dowell of Va.

Hon. J. A. Rockwell of Conn.
Gen. Walter Jones
Maj. Gen. Scott
Com. Morris
Com. Warrington
J. B. H. Smith. Esq.

432

D. P. M.

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

July 10th 1848.
My dear Son

I ardently hoped that you would have written me
about our affairs before this, and that I should have
some guide to lead from whelming darknefs — but it is
in vain to wait! I wish to tell you all that concerns us,
but you are silent about your being at home or absent
from it.

I have concluded to have a Raffle for the large paint-
ing with other pictures and some plate in order to be
better satisfied, &c What ought the large painting and
those of Washington and Jefferson by Stuart, to bring
in a Raffle or sale? those of Adams and Monroe also —
please to give some guefs and tell what estimate you
place upon Columbus, Vespucius, Magellan, Cortez and
the Bard of Ofsian —

I wrote you a week ago but no answer has come to
me tho 'twas important I should have one.

Your M

Mr. Smith suggested a raffle to Mrs. Madison of her
personal effects. The suggestion was satisfactory to her
and she endorsed on his communication a list of personal
property decided to be unnecessary to keep. To Mr.
Smith's further suggestion that she notify her friends
of the raffle she courteously declined. The raffle had so
far advanced in the arrangements as to be nearly ready
when Mr. Buchanan signified his displeasure with the
undertaking and it was abandoned. Mrs. Madison re-
garded the trustees of the fund as her advisers, generally,
on business.

Of the twenty-five thousand dollars, five thousand
was disbursed immediately in the defrayment of debts
including the mortgage indebtedness to John Jacob
Astor. The balance of the fund was invested in
interest-bearing securities. The list of creditors

433

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

shows the depth of debt. An item is seventy dollars
to redeem the pledge of silver forks and gravy spoons,
and twenty dollars to take up gold chain. An item
is for reimbursement to a young nephew for postage
of his letters to her; she had asked that an account be
kept. Other items are accounts with tradesmen for
necessaries of life. Some of the large loans, partic-
ularly that of Mr. Corcoran, were by well-to-do people
who were not disposed to crowd.

Relieved of the burden of debt her spirits rebounded
and she went on a little jollification.

Let poets boast of Arno's "shelvy side,"
And sing the beauties of the classic Po,

Give me Potomac's grand, majestic tide,
Sparkling beneath the sun's effulgent glow.

— Winifred Gales.

This poet to immortalize in song needs high inspira-
tion to reach the proper note for the arrowy Rhone, the
murmuring Loire, the silvery Thames, the blue Danube,
the broad Amazon, the palisaded Hudson, the fertile Nile,
the fierce Tigres, but yet higher inspiration to harmonize
with the majestic Potomac.

The Potomac when its journey to the deep is almost
made — where the broader bosom with the broken shores
and offspring streams is a union for grandeur and beauty
— was as alluring in the ante-bellum days.

Friday Morning.
Dear Mrs. Seaton, — As I could not accompany Mr.
Seaton on his expedition to Piney Point, I hope for the
subordinate pleasure of listening to his recital of its
incidents, his capture of fishes, his battles with the
mosquitoes, etc., etc. * * *

Dan'l Webster.

434

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

July 20, 1848, is the date Mrs. Madison paid Mr.
Jamison for taking her party to the boat for the trip
to Piney Point and July 28 is the date she paid Captain
Mitchell for the return passage. That she enjoyed the
outing she writes to the young artist, Miss Millegan :

We propose to go home tomorrow after deriving
benefit and pleasure from our indulgence.*

Baron E. Hyde de Neuville during the French revo-
lution was an emigre and lived on the Raritan, New
Jersey. He was close to Louis XVIII and Charles X.
On the enthronement of the former, he came to the
United States as the Minister. And from the States he
returned to be a Minister to Charles X. The United
States to the Baron had been a refuge in season of politi-
cal storm and for it he had an affection in degree equal-
ling his affection for his native land. In Washington,
the people liked him and he liked them; it was a liking
from the heart; not on one part bowing to station, nor
on the other, diplomatic veneer. And him here is they,
the Baron and the Baroness. Sure, the de Neuvilles
were noble souls who to commemorate the birth of the
Due de Bordeaux or Henry V could think of a plan so
unusual and so unusually humane.

Dear Sir, — It is my intention, in celebration of the
baptism of the young prince who is one day to rule over
the Franks, to make free one poor little slave child. I
pray sir, please you, without any mention of my name
to obtain information respecting the young slave girl
who is spoken of in the enclosed advertisement, to be

*Piney Point is described in Mrs. Thornton's Diary.

435

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

sold at public sale, by Moses Poor, auctioneer. This
communication I desire to be for yourself alone. * * *
I have the honor to offer you the assurance of my
distinguished consideration.

Yours

Washington, 25 June, 1821.
Monsieur Seaton.*

E. Hyde de Neuville.

The Baron was the Minister, 1816-'22. At the draw-
ing room of Mrs. Madison, came the Baron and Baroness
and suite in apparel gay to typify la belle France.

Mrs. Smith says:

Deer. 5th 1816. Thursday morning.

* * * Mr. Neuville and suite were there in most
splendid costume — not their court dresses however.
Blue coats cover'd with gold embroidery. The collar
and back literally cover'd with wreaths of fleur de lys
with white underclothes and large chapeaux with feathers.
The minister's feathers were white, the secretaries black,
and their dresses tho' on the same style not so superb as
his. Madame and Mademoiselle were very handsomely
dress'd in white sattin.f

Baroness de Neuville and Mrs. Madison in nature
were akin. To either, what greater praise!

Washington Oct. 14th 48.

My dear Madame de Neuville will accept my affec-
tionate salutations, and do me the favor to believe that
the long space of time which has elapsed since I saw
her has not diminished my constant love & interest for
her, and her excellent husband the Baron de Neuville.

* William Winston Seaton. A Biographical Sketch.

■fForty Years of Washington Society. Margaret Bayard Smith.

436

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

I ask leave to present a worthy citizen of Washington
to your acquaintance — who visits France, England &
Belgium by appointment of our Executive, on businefs
of his Government. Mr. Peter Hagner Jr is the son of
an old and respected friend of mine, — who, with us all
will be much gratified to know that he has had the favor
of seeing you.

Ever yours

D. P. Madison.

Peter Hagner was born in Philadelphia, October 1,
1772; he died in Washington, July 16, 1850. He was
educated in the University of Pennsylvania. After a
few years' employment in the counting-house of a Phila-
delphia firm, Philip Crammond and Co., he entered the
service of the United States, and continued in it until
the year of his death. He entered the government serv-
ice, 1793, through the recommendation of Mrs. Dolly
Todd — Mrs. Madison. He was a bookkeeper in the
office of the War Department accountant; and success-
ively he was chief clerk and an additional accountant.
Into his office came Washington and Hamilton and they
took kindly notice of him. In 1817, upon its creation,
he was appointed Third Auditor of the Treasury and
continued in that office until his resignation.

The Washington Union has this tribute by Thomas
Ritchie :

No government could ever boast of a more able, hon-
est and efficient officer; he has been worth more than
his weight in gold to his country. He has been a model
of what a public servant should be; and hereafter no
higher compliment can be paid to a public officer than
to say of him (similar to what was said in Athens of
Aristides the Just), "He is as virtuous as Peter Hagner."

437

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

His second wife's maiden name was Francis Randall.
He and she had sons and daughters ten; of the seven
sons, three chose arms, three, law; and one, medicine.
All the sons were pre-eminent in their chosen profes-
sions.*

Peter Hagner, junior, or Peter Valentine Hagner rose
to the rank of Brigadier-General in acknowledgment of
his military science and bravery in action. He was
abroad for the War Department, 1848-'49, to gather
information as to firearms, the system of artillery and
equipments of troops.

Accompanying a floral gift was a card inscribed "To
Mrs. Madison from her little sweethearts."

My precious little sweet-hearts daughters of beloved
fd Judge & Mrs. Mason. Be pleased to accept a cake
from me which tho' cunningly made & prepared for
you by me cannot equal those sweet flowers I recd on
Sunday, resembling each of you as if they were fairy
sisters —

I prefs yr dear lips in imagination beginning with
Fanny & ending with Catie and the peerlefs Baby.

D. P.' M.
To the little Mifses Mason

Elizabeth Fries Lummis to have Fitz-Greene Hal-
leck's autograph sent him a graceful note. And the poet
promptly responded with the spirited lines, the first two —

The song that o'er me hovered

In summer's hour, in summer's hour.

Miss Lummis became a poetess herself. Before she
was seventeen she changed Silvio Pellico's Euphemia

*Eminent and Representative Men of Virginia and the District
of Columbia of the Nineteenth Century.

438

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

of Messina into English and when she was seventeen
changed her name to Ellet. Professor William H. Ellet
was of the chemistry branch of the Columbia College,
New York city. Soon after the marriage, was produced
on the stage her tragedy based on a Venetian incident,
Teresa Contarini. Much inquiry and investigation were
involved in her most important achievement, Women of
the American Revolution. It encouraged her for a com-
panion subject, Domestic History of the American Revo-
lution. The Court Circles of the Republic, in collabora-
tion with Mrs. R. E. Mack is a worthy work. Mrs.
Ellet began her literary utility early and although she
did not live a long life she accomplished a great deal.

New York Dec. 18th (1848)
Dear Madam

I trust you will excuse the liberty I take in addressing
you when you learn the object I have in view. I am
collecting materials for a volume of biographical
sketches of the heroic and distinguished Ladies of the
Revolution. In the hope of doing justice to the mem-
ory of many whose noble conduct and patriotic sacri-
fices exerted a great influence on the destinies of their
country. I have sought information from surviving
members of their families — such as might enable me to
furnish a record to last for posterity. — my volume
would be unspeakably enriched if you would permit me
to add a sketch of yourself — a personal biography, with
no further reference than may be necessary to those
political events which are matters of history.

Should you, dear Madam, feel disposed to grant me
facilities for such a Sketch, I would refer you to Mr.
Calhoun and Senator Butler from South Carolina, or
to Prof. Palfrey of Boston (who is now in Washington)
or to Capt. and Mrs. Wilkes: all of whom know me,
and will I trust, bear satisfactory testimony as to my

439

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ability to present such a work in a popular form. In
case you consider my request favorably, will you have
the goodness to commission some one — if your own
time should be occupied — to point me out sources of
information — and let me know how far I may depend
on those you can furnish?

Please let any communication be addressed to me —
care of William M. Lummis — New York.
I am, dear Madam

most respectfully yours

E. F. Ellet

Washington Jany 3d 1848. (1849)

I have received, my dear Madam, your letter of the
18th ult. informing me of your design to publish a vol-
ume of sketches of the patriotic ladies of the Revolu-
tion— and of your wish to include my life among the
number.

Having been but a child at the close of that glorious
struggle which resulted in our Independence, I can lay
no claim to be included among that distinguished clafs
whose exploits and sacrifices well deserve to be com-
memorated. Thanking you for your kindnefs and af-
suring you that I shall look forward with much interest
to your promised volume.

With friendly salutations Yours

D. P. Madison.
To M^ E. F. Ellet

Care of Wm M. Lummis —
New York

Will Mrs Madison accept a piece of the Bride and
Groom's Cake, from

her gratefully attached

Rosalie V. Smith

440

MRS. WILLIAM CRAIG

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

From Mrs. George Graham :*

Will you my dear Mrs Madison accept the Shawl as
a small testimony of my affection, and desire to live in
your remembrance.

Thine in all sincerity

M G Graham
It came from Tunis

To Mrs. S. C. P. McDowell, Georgetown :

I have recd & shall obey your wishes, my dear cousin,
by sending the autograph for your little favorite. — I
should have hastened to have done so last eves but that
an inflamed eye forbid the looking upon white paper
in a bright light. I wish I had known that Mifs Plumer,
or any of your family were here yesterday, as it wd
have delighted me to have seen you or them. I have
not been as far as Georgetown since I went there on
a visit to you & yr sweet sisters, but I wd rather see
you & hear your voices than visit your Heights or com-
mune with your flowers. Let me persuade you to come
soon my way in order that I may show you the im-
provement diffused throughout a District which has
hitherto crept lazily towards perfection.

Accept mine with Annie's love & best wishes —

D. P. Madison

Miss Elizabeth Patterson was of figure, petite, of wit,
piquant. Her crown of glory was a wavy brown; her
laughing and beguiling eyes were hazel; her features
Grecian; her mould, faultless; a creature for beauty be-
yond compare. She dreamt of title. Her dream had
promise in the appearance at Baltimore of Jerome Bona-
parte, the youngest brother of Napoleon. They met at
a ball given by Samuel Chase, "a signer." In a dance

*Chief Clerk, Secretary of War; Ad-interim, Secretary of War
in Madison's administration.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

his chain became entangled in her hair. It was signifi-
cant of fate. Mr. Patterson objected and her friends
warned and she retorted, "I would rather be the wife of
Jerome Bonaparte for one hour than of any other man
for life." And on Christmas eve, 1803, they were mar-
ried; and with high flourish, the ceremony being per-
formed by the Most Reverend John Carroll, Bishop of
Baltimore. The bride did not add to her charms by
dress for she says "there was as little as possible of any
gown at all" and one man said he could put all her
clothes into his pocket. The groom was nineteen and
the bride eighteen.

To favorably impress the Emperor Napoleon, the
President, Mr. Jefferson, and the Secretary of State,
Mr. Madison, addressed him by letters; and Mr. Living-
ston, the ambassador to France, presented the affair and
Mr. Robert Patterson, a brother, went over to advocate.
Napoleon the only one to be satisfied, and the only one
not, after an ominous silence put a ban on "the pre-
tended marriage that Jerome Bonaparte contracted in a
foreign country during his minority, without consent
of his mother and without previous publication in his
native land." He declared "Should he bring her along
with him, she shall not put a foot on the territory of
France." Jerome was discouraged but she enheartened
him; she was confident that her beauty and persuasion
would mollify the mighty one — and accordingly they em-
barked. On the coast of Delaware the vessel was
stranded. She hung her handsome clothes on the rope
to dry and in the borrowed rustic ones, laughed gaily
and ate heartily. Said her irritated aunt "You wicked
girl instead of kneeling in thanksgiving for your de-
liverance you are enjoying roast goose and apple-sauce."
She and Jerome arrived at Lisbon where they were met

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

by a French guard to prevent her landing. A messenger
from Napoleon inquired what he might do for Miss Pat-
terson. To this she retorted "Tell your master that
Madame Bonaparte is ambitious and demands her rights
as a member of the imperial family." Jerome parted
with his wife with the usual protestations of undimin-
ishing love. She continued on to Amsterdam and there
encountered the same interception. Jerome succumbed
to the will of Napoleon and married his choice. She
and Jerome after the parting at Lisbon never met save
once in a picture gallery and as strangers, seeing but not
seeing each other. Not until the death of Napoleon did
she enter France. She mingled with royalty and to
a degree her youthful dreams had fruition.

Madame gave her son, Jerome, "Bo," a course at
Harvard that he might advantageously marry, that is,
marry a title ; and on the outcome wrote :

I should consider an amiable prolific daughter-in-law
a very poor compensation for all the trouble I have had
with that boy, and most sincerely hope the amiable
scheming (for even in America the women know their
own interest and look as sharply after matches as they
do here) young ladies will select some other unsuspect-
ing dupe.

Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte married a Baltimore
belle.

Madame lived long, very long; in years ninety- four;
in weariness longer as the years dragged on. She lived
for herself and the resources for a selfish life drain.
Writes she :

I am dying with ennui, I doze away existence. I am
too old to coquet, and without this stimulant I die. I

443

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

am tired of reading, and of all ways of killing time.
I am tired of life, and tired of having lived. It is a
bore to grow old.*

Mme. Bonaparte and her royal husband came to Wash-
ington for their wedding tour. The Madisons enter-
tained them. Between Mrs. Madison and Mme. Bona-
parte was closest connection ; the Madame at times living
in the Executive Mansion; throughout they were of re-
ciprocal helpfulness.

My dear Mrs Madison

I shall have great pleasure in accepting your kind in-
vitation for this evening.

I remain your obliged

friend E. Bonaparte

The Story of Kalorama has been told by Corra Bacon-
Foster and more exactly and more entertainingly is not
to be expected. The picturesque site on a graceful curve
of Rock Creek is a part of originally Rock Hill. The
mansion was built, 1750. Washington to Tobias Lear,
August 28, 1794, writes: "* * * a gentleman emi-
nent in the profession of the law, a man of Character #
fortune, and one who has the welfare of the New City
much at heart — has been applied to, and accepted the
appointed trust." The gentleman was Gustavus Scott
and the trust, a city commissionership. The year he
accepted the trust, he acquired the tract — 1794.

William Augustine Washington succeeded to the own-
ership to be followed by Joel Barlow. Mr. Barlow tells
his nephew, Stephen Barlow, December 15, 1807:

I have here a most delightful situation; it only wants
the improvements we contemplate to make it a little

*Elisabeth Patterson in Dames and Daughters of the Young
Republic. Geraldine Brooks.

444

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

paradise. It is a beautiful hill, about one mile from
the Potomac and 200 feet in elevation above tidewater,
with Washington and Georgetown under my eye and
Alexandria eight miles below, still in view, the Potomac
reflecting back the sun in a million forms and losing
himself among the hills that try on each side to shove
him from his course. If you have a plan of the city
I can show you my very spot. Look at the stream called
Rock Creek, that divides Washington and Georgetown.
I am just outside of the city on the Washington side of
the Creek, just above where it takes its last bend and
begins its straight, short course to the Potomac. My
hill is that white, circular spot. I find the name of
Belair has been already given to many places in Mary-
land and Virginia, so by the advice of friends we have
changed it for one that is quite new — Calorama, from
the Greek, signifying "fine view," and this place presents
one of the finest views in America.

"In the contemplated improvements," Latrobe, the
architect, and Fulton, the inventor, assisted.

Barlow went as Minister to France and M. Serurier
came as Minister from France. Mrs. Madison to Mrs.
Barlow, November 15, 1811, writes:

The French Minister, Mr. Serurier, is still delighted
with Kalorama, and takes much pleasure in beautifying
the grounds.

The estate was devised to Thomas Barlow. Barlow
sold it to Henry Baldwin, to be an Associate Justice of
the U. S. Supreme Court; and he at once conveyed it to
Colonel George Bomford, U. S. A. The Colonel and
Mrs. Bomford occupied it for thirty years and for a long
time made in it a secluded home for Mrs. Stephen De-
catur. In 1846, it was bought in the name of Thomas

445

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

R. Lovett as trustee for his mother, Mrs. Charles
Fletcher.

Kalorama was all along the rendezvous of the cultured
of society. And, "The Lovett family proved themselves
worthy successors of the brilliant men and women that
had preceded them, and the cultured, hospitable life con-
tinued. Mr. Thomas Lovett accompanied Minister
Marsh to Constantinople in 1850 as an attache of the
legation. This perhaps led to introductions into all the
foreign legations in Washington whose inmates were
always on terms of pleasant intimacy with the family
in the most charming country residence in the District."
Mr. Charles Fletcher was literary, extremely progressive,
remarkably prophetic; and actively interested in many
public projects. He numbered among his friends most
of the prominent men of his day in official life.*

Kalorama during the Civil War was a government
hospital. After the war its shades and slopes made the
popular pic-nic place for the secular and Sunday schools.
But the beauty of Kalorama is beautifully told by Corra
Bacon Foster and prettily pictured on twenty pages of
the Records of the Columbia Historical Society.

Mrs. Fletcher requests the pleasure of Mrs. Madison's
company on Friday evening next, at 8y2 o'clock.
Kalorama

Feb. 14th.

Eckington, Joseph Gales' country-seat, was named
from his place of birth, in England, near Sheffield.
Charles B. King, Washington's artist and art authority,
was the architect. Mr. Gales and William Winston Sea-

*Kalorama Tract, The Sunday Star, April 13, 1913. James
Croggon.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ton were the editors and proprietors of the National
Intelligencer. They reported the debates of Congress,
one, the Senate; the other, the House. Their reportorial
industry has preserved legislative history that without it
would be lost. The memorable debate of Hayne and
Webster was taken by Mr. Gales. He was proud by the
possession of Mr. Webster's speeches with his correc-
tive interlineations. He, with other honors, was Mayor.
His city residence was at E and Ninth streets.

His widow was Sarah Juliana Maria. The men and
women of the Gales and Seaton families were all liter-
ary and she in this talent was equally one of them. The
family setting of this estimable lady is that her father
was Theodoric Lee, brother of Henry Lee, "Light Horse
Harry," who was the father of General Robert E. Lee.

My dear Mrs Madison,

I expect a few friends to pafs the evening with me
and shall be most happy if you and Mifs Payne will
give me the pleasure of your company at y2 past 8
o'clock.

Believe me dear Madam

Most affectionately

and Truly yours

S. J. M. Gales.
Thursday

Mrs. Madison to Mrs. John G. Todd:

I have received with much sensibility dear Friend
your beautiful tho' too flattering poetry, and I desire to
afsure that I am proud of that regard and approbation
which had the power, and the will to brighten each
flower, and soften each shade.

I cannot give up a sweet hope that we may meet again,
and continue to love each other as I do that amiable
connexion of mine.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The name of him who lectured before the lovers of
learning and who received Mrs. Madison's thanks for the
chance to share with these lovers the feast, is missing.

Permit me Sir to thank you for your interesting Dis-
course before the Philomathian Society in Middlebury
College — My impatience to acknowledge the receipt of
it, with that of your kind note, will prevent me now as
it deserves on every word.*

George William Erving was an eminent diplomat.

To Mr Erving —

— May I ask you my valued fd to accept from me the
accompanying vols — as a Mem° of one you regarded,
whose attach* for you lasted with her life? — in the same
sentiments & wishes for your happinefs, wherever you
go I wd exprefs my regrets at not seeing you again.

Truly

D. P. M.

A Merry Christmas to Mrs. Madison, and with it a
small token of regard from her friends, Mrs. Toombs
& Mrs. Crittenden, which they hope she will ware for
their sake.

Washington Dec. 24th

A happy Christmas my belovd Friend, and my dear
own —

I send you in great haste — a couple of Grouse from
Mifsouri — by my son the Major — eat them to gratify
your

ozvn friend

E. Lee
Dear Aunt

I wish you a happy New Year and hope that you will
live to enjoy many returns of the same accept this little

*A solemn disputation in all the mysteries of the profession,
before the face of every philomath, student in astrology, and mem-
ber of learned societies. Goldsmith, Citizen of the World, LXVIII.

448

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

token of affection from your devoted Niece Adele.
Present the wreath to Cousin Annie and beg of her to
accept it as a trifling token of my affection.
Your affectionate Niece

Addie

At President Polk's last reception, Dolly Madison sat
on a raised platform. She was attired in white satin
with the habitual turban of fringed satin of same shade
twined about her head. The gown was cut decolette
and displayed shoulders and arms beautiful and as beau-
tiful as in the pristine period. The feature of the presi-
dential reception is published in The Evening Star, Sep-
tember 2, 1902. The preservation of this personal charm
is corroborated to the writer by the grandniece, Mrs.
Craig.*

The President entered in his diary:

James K. Polk's Diary:

Wednesday, 7th February, 1849.— * * * Gen-
eral notice had been given in the City papers that the
President's mansion would be open for the reception of
visitors this evening. All the parlours including the
East Room were lighted up. The Marine band of mu-
sicians occupied the outer Hall. Many hundreds of
persons, ladies & gentlemen, attended. It was what
would be called in the Society of Washington a very
fashionable levee. Foreign Ministers, their families &
suites, Judges, members of both Houses of Congress,
and many citizens and strangers were of the company
present. I stood and shook hands with them for over
three hours. Towards the- close of the evening I passed
through the crowded rooms with the venerable Mrs.
Madison on my arm. It was near 12 O'Clock when the
company retired. * * *

*The physical perfections of her young womanhood, none di-
minished, remained when her spirit fled. Thus said by Mrs. Rich-
ard B. (Elizabeth) Lee.

449

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Queen Dolly's second reign was during the adminis-
trations of Van Buren, Tyler and Polk.

Mrs. Madison lapsed into a soft slumber. It deepened
and deeper grew until there was no awakening. The
transition from the dreaming to the dreamless was be-
tween ten and eleven o'clock in the evening on Thursday,
July 12th. Apoplexy they called it. On Monday fore-
noon, early, the tenement was tenderly borne from the
home corner to the church corner, St. John's; and was
viewed by hundreds as it rested before the chancel. In
the afternoon at four, the service began. The Rev. Mr.
Pyne, the Rector, "delivered, in a very feeling manner, an
eloquent and just eulogy," and was by the Rev. Mr.
French assisted in the solemn services. The congrega-
tion was dense and its interest, intense. The President
was present. At half after five o'clock, the cortege
moved to the "Congress Cemetery." The cortege was
national. It was the largest yet seen in the city. It was
in this order:

The Reverend Clergy

Attending Physicians

Pall Bearers :

Hon. John M. Clayton,1 Hon. William M. Meredith,7
Mr. Joseph Gales,2 Mr. Thomas Ritchie,8

Gen. Thomas S. Jesup,8 Gen. J. G. Totten,"
Com. Charles Morris,4 Com. Lewis Warrington,1'

Gen. Archibald Henderson,6 Mr. Stephen Pleasanton,11
Gen. Walter Jones,' Mr. Philip H. Fendall.12

1 Secretary of State 7 Secretary of the Treasury.

2 Editor National Intelligencer. 8 Editor of The Union.

3 Quartermaster-General. 9 Chief Engineer, U. S. A.

4 Inspector of Ordnance. 10 Chief Bureau of Ordnance

5 Col. Com. Marine Corps and Hydrography.

6 Lawyer 11 Fifth Auditor, Treasury

Dept.
12 District Attorney.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The Family

The President and Cabinet

The Diplomatic Corps

Members of the Senate and House of Representatives

at present in Washington, and their officers
Judges of the Supreme Court and Courts of the District,

and their officers

Officers of the Army and Navy

Mayor and Corporation of Washington

Citizens and Strangers

The remains were deposited in the vault, temporarily.
The mortal is interred at Montpellier aside that of him
whom she loved.

Mr. Morris was ushered to a pew next behind the
family. In the pew was an elderly lady. The services
over, Mr. Morris and the lady arose. They faced casu-
ally. They for a moment hesitated — in that moment of
hesitation — were recollection and recognition. They
voiced their recognition. They, Mrs. Lee and Mr. Mor-
ris, were fifty-nine years before the maid of honor and
the groomsman. Before them lie in unwakenable sleep
— the bride.

Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison:

A few days before her death she said to a niece who
had gone to her, as usual, for sympathy over some small
grievance : —

"My dear, do not trouble about it; there is nothing
in this world worth really caring for. Yes, believe me,
I, who have lived so long, repeat to you, there is nothing
in- this world here below worth caring for."
For two days she lingered apparently without suffering,
waking only when aroused to momentary consciousness,
when she would smile lovingly, and put out her arms to
embrace those whom she loved so well. Several times
she murmured "My poor boy!" as she seemed to feel

451

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

her son's presence near her, and gently relapsed into that
long rest which is peace.

It was proposed by the Richmond Whig to the ladies
of Richmond and to all the ladies of Virginia, whereso-
ever they may be that for thirty days they wear upon
the left arm a bow of black as a tribute.

The journals reach the heights of eulogy. The Union
said:

Even when she was possessed of the highest buoy-
ancy of spirits, and presided as the tutelary genius of
the White House, she never suffered her head to be
turned by the most devoted attentions which were always
paid her. She preserved that equanimity of spirit, that
simplicity of character, that warmth and sympathy of
heart which preserved her from all affectation and ar-
rogance of manner. She was the most considerate and
polite person we have ever known.

The National Intelligencer, editorially, Saturday, the
14th, made the announcement :

It is with saddened hearts that we announce to our
readers the decease of Mrs. Madison, Widow of James
Madison, Ex-President of the United States. * * *

Beloved by all who personally knew her, and univer-
sally respected, this venerable Lady closed her long and
well-spent life with the calm resignation which good-
ness of heart combined with piety only can impart. It
would seem an abuse of terms to say that we regret the
departure of one so ripe and so fitted for a better world.
But, in the case of this excellent Lady, she continued
until within a few weeks to grace society with her pres-
ence, and lend to it those charms with which she adorned
the circle of the highest, the wisest, and best, during the
bright career of her illustrious husband. Wherever she
appeared, every one became conscious of the presence
of the spirit of benignity and gentleness, united to all

452

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the attributes of feminine loveliness. For ourselves
whose privilege it was to know and admire her through
the last forty years of her life, it would not be easy to
speak in terms of exaggeration of the virtues and win-
ning manners of this eminent Lady. To attempt it
would add no brightness to her fair name, and would
be little needed to move the public sympathy. All of
our own country and thousands in other lands will need
no language of Eulogy to inspire a deep and sincere
regret when they learn the demise of one who touched
all hearts by her goodness and won the admiration of
all by the charms of dignity and grace.

Simultaneously appeared the tribute of the
Washington Corporation.

Resolutions of Respect to the Memory of the late Mrs.
D. P. Madison, widow of Ex-President Madison.

Resolved by the Board of Aldermen and Board of
Common Council of the city of Washington, That they
have heard with deep sensibility of the death of Mrs.
D. P. Madison. * * *

Resolved, That the many virtues and excellences of
the deceased adorning as they did in a pre-eminent de-
gree the domestic and social circle, and adding lustre to
the dignified station she has held as the wife and com-
panion of the pure and illustrious Madison, have made
a deep impression upon this community, in the midst of
which she has passed so large a portion of her life, and
who will always hold in respectful remembrance her
memory.

* * *

Silas H. Hill,

President of the Board of Common Council,
W. Lenox,

President of the Board of Aldermen.
Approved, July 13, 1849.
W. W. Seaton, Mayor.

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Anne Royall in The Huntress, July 21, 1849:

Mrs. Madison Is No More!!
She departed this life on the 12th instant, between 10
and 11 o'clock P.M. — aged about 82. Having had the
happiness of her acquaintance, we had written a short
eulogy in honor of her virtues, but laid it aside, upon
seeing that of the Intelligencer, herewith copy into our
paper. It is one of the most beautiful specimens of
composition that ever fell from the pen of man, and
everv word true.

Mrs. Madison's will antedates her death only a few
days. She bequeathed ten thousand dollars of the fund
vested in the trustees, Buchanan, Mason and Smith, to
her son, John Payne. The remaining ten thousand to
her adopted daughter, Annie Payne, for life. In the
alternative, if her son survived her adopted daughter he
should have the ten thousand or if she survived him the
amount bequeathed to her should be free of conditions.
All other property, which included the Dolly Madison
house, was bequeathed and devised to the son. The
personal property other than the twenty thousand dol-
lars appropriated by Congress amounted to about eight
thousand dollars. The latter amount included four paint-
ings by Gilbert Stuart appraised by Mr. King, the local
artist, at six hundred and fifty dollars. The son con-
tested the will unsuccessfully. Eminent counsel repre-
sented the litigants. Mr. James M. Carlisle appeared
for the son and Walter Jones for the adopted daughter.
Three weeks prior, more exactly, June 11, Mrs. Madison
signed a will drawn by the son which to him gave every-
thing and the exclusive executorship. Judge (John
Young) Mason influenced in favor of the daughter by
adoption. In the litigation:

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Lee states she came to see Mrs. Madison on the
morning of the 9th of July, '49. She was quite sick
and kept her eyes closed. After some time when she
Miss Payne Mrs. Thomas and J. M. Cutts were in the
room it was proposed she, Mrs. M. should have a will,
by the Ladies. Afterwards J M Cutts asked her to sign
a paper or will to give Cousin Payne something and
Cousin Anna perhaps too. To which it was thought she
assented. Miss Payne was asking and endeavoring to
get her to open her eyes. She had opened her eyes and
recognized me. Mrs. Lee when down and was asked to
affix her name to this paper. She afterwards learnt J.
P. Todd had a will.

A Grandfather's Legacy. — William Wilson Corcoran.

Washington, July 20, 1849.

My Dear Sir: I have been for some days past anx-
ious to address you, but amid the difficult and sad duties
which I have been called upon to perform, in conse-
quence of that mournful event for which you must have
been prepared before your departure, I have not been
able until now to return you our heartfelt thanks for the
sympathy, kindness and delicacy with which you have,
to our grateful observance, evinced your friendship and
respect for our loved and honored aunt, Mrs. Madison.

Be pleased, therefore, to accept from myself, Cousin
Annie Payne, and immediate family, our warmest and
most respectful acknowledgments for the many atten-
tions and kindnesses through which your respect and
friendship have been evinced towards her whom we now
mourn for, and towards those whom your intimacy with
her and the family enabled you to know were most dear
to her, but especially towards her devoted adopted
daughter and niece — now prostrate and in very precari-
ous health from over exertion and excitement conse-
quent on her irreparable loss.

I fear I shall have to encounter greater difficulty in
carrying out the wishes of my honored aunt as I and

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

all her friends knew them, and on your return shall
avail myself of your advice as one among that number.
Meanwhile, receive the assurances of our united and
profound regards and respect.

Yours truly,

J. Madison Cutts
W. W. Corcoran, Esq.
Bath Springs, Va.

Hon. James Buchanan, July 15, 1849:

Full of days and beloved by all who enjoyed the privi-
lege of her acquaintance, her memory will be cherished
throughout the whole extent of the Union.

Hon. John J. Crittenden, July 20, 1849 :

She was full of years and honors, and the natural
time for her departure had come. Still her death can-
not but be felt as a great bereavement. She was the
bright example in which was combined the grace, the
dignity and virtue of her sex. Though we knew from
her age that she must soon leave us, still we cannot see
so much excellence buried from our sight without some
natural grief.

Hon. John Y. Mason, July 20, 1849 :

The whole nation will mourn her death, and none
more than I, who was honored by her confidence and
friendship, and who repaid it with the affection and
veneration which a son owes to his mother.

Hon. Alexander H. Stephens, August 11, 1849:

It is true my acquaintance with Mrs. Madison was
short and slight compared with that of many of her
numerous friends, but it had created in me an admira-

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

tion of her many excellencies and virtues and an interest
in her welfare which you do not overestimate. And
though the light of her sun was permitted to linger
longer above that much-dreaded horizon which separ-
ates the visible from the invisible world, much longer
than falls to the lot of most of the sojourners in life,
and though none could reasonably expect or even hope
to enjoy the blessings of her society much longer, yet
her sudden decease touches the soul and afflicts the heart
as if we had not the ever-present consciousness that she
but yielded to the inevitable as well as wise and benefi-
cent law of nature in falling as she has, in due time,
like the ripe fruit, after all the functions, duties and
obligations of life had been fully and perfectly per-
formed. No woman in this country and few in any
other ever rilled a larger sphere in their day than Mrs.
Madison did in hers, and none will ever leave a name
and memory more respected, loved and revered.

William C. Preston has in his journal:

When I knew her in after life, widowed, poor and
without prestige of station, I found her the same good-
natured, kindhearted, considerate, stately person, that
she had been in the heyday of her fortunes. Many of
her minor habits, formed in early life, continued upon
her in old age and poverty. Her manner was urbane,
gracious, with an almost imperceptible touch of Quaker-
ism. She continued to the last to wear around her
shoulders a magnificent shawl of a green color. She
always wore a lofty turban and took snuff from a snuff-
box of lava or platina, never from gold. Two years
before her death, I was in a whist party with her. when
Mr. John Quincy Adams was her partner, and Lord
Ashburton mine. Each of the three was over seventy
years of age.

Mrs. Trist:

My recollections of Mrs. Madison are of the most
agreeable nature, and were formed from a long, inti-

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Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

mate acquaintance beginning in my childhood and end-
ing only with her life. She had a sweet, natural dignity
of manner which attracted while it commanded respect;
a proper degree of reserve without stiffness in company
with strangers; and a stamp of frankness and sincerity
which, with her intimate friends became gayety and even
playfulness of manner. There was, too, a cordial, gen-
ial, sunny atmosphere surrounding her, which won all
hearts — I think one of the secrets of her immense pop-
ularity. She was said to be, during Mr. Madison's
administration, the most popular person in the United
States ; and she certainly had a remarkable memory for
names and faces. No person introduced to Mrs. Mad-
ison at one of the crowded levees at the White House
required a second introduction on meeting her again,
but had the gratification of being recognized and ad-
dressed by his or her own name. Her son, Paine Todd,
was a notoriously bad character. His misconduct was
the sorrow of his mother's life. Mr. Madison, during
his lifetime, bore with him like a father and paid many
of his debts, but he was an incorrigible spendthrift.
His heartless, unprincipled conduct embittered the last
years of his mother's life, and no doubt shortened it.*

William Cabell Rives:

On the 15th day of September, 1794, he was married
to Mrs. Dorothea Payne Todd, who, for the space of
forty-two years, till the close of his eventful life, was
the faithful and tender companion of his bosom, the
partner of his joys and sorrows, and the ornament, as
well as helpmeet, of his household. This lady, besides
a graceful and attractive person, was endowed with a
sweetness of temper, and an unvarying tact and good
sense, which fitted her eminently to play the part that
devolved upon her in the future elevated fortunes of
her husband ; diffusing around her, in the Presidential

*Ladies of the White House. Laura Carter Holloway.
458

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

mansion and in the social circles of Washington, an at-
mosphere of smiles and good humor, in which every
sentiment of political animosity was for the time ex-
tinguished and forgotten.*

Benjamin Ogle Tayloe :

Mrs. Madison was a very remarkable woman, had
been very handsome, was graceful and gracious. Her
bonhomie could not be surpassed. She was loved alike
by rich and poor.

In entertaining society, Mr. Madison was greatly
aided by his wife, who though not highly cultivated,
was a woman of wonderful tact. * * * She made
Mr. Madison a good wife, her extreme amiability and
tact adapting her to the times; it being beyond dispute
that no lady has ever done the honors of the White
House so gracefully or acceptably as Mrs. Madison.
She never forgot a face or a name.f

John S. C. Abbott in the Lives of the Presidents:

She was, in person and character, queenly. As grace-
ful as Josephine, with a heart overflowing with kind-
ness, endowed with wonderful powers of conversation,
persuasion, and entertainment, and with a face whose
frankness and winning smiles at sight won all hearts,
she contributed greatly to the popularity and power of
her husband in the elevated sphere through which he
afterwards moved.

As in the case of Napoleon, all who wished for spe-
cial favors felt safe if they could secure the advocacy
of Josephine; so it was found, that through Mrs. Mad-
ison, one could ever obtain the readiest access to the
heart of her distinguished husband. She was a true
and sympathizing friend of all who were in sorrow.

*Life and Times of James Madison. William C. Rives.
fin Memoriam: Benjamin Ogle Tayloe.

459

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mr. Catlin, the renowned delineator of Indian life,
when a young man, just after his marriage, was in Vir-
ginia, in the vicinity of Mr. Madison's home, endeavor-
ing to earn a living by painting portraits. He was poor,
a stranger, in a cheerless inn, and his young wife was
taken sick with the intermittent fever. Their situation
was desolate indeed. But soon a lady of wonderfully
prepossessing appearance and manners entered the cham-
ber, apologized gracefully for the intrusion, introduced
herself as Mrs. Madison, and, taking off bonnet and
shawl, sat down by the bedside of the sick one, cheered
her with words of hope, administered the medicines,
and from that hour, with a sister's tenderness, watched
over her, and supplied her with comforts and luxuries,
until she was quite recovered.

In Washington, she was the life of society. A group
of the young were gathered around her. If there were
any diffident, timid young girl just making her appear-
ance, she was sure to find in Mrs. Madison a support-
ing and encouraging friend. Probably no lady has thus
far occupied so prominent a position in the very pe-
culiar society which has constituted our republican court
as Mrs. Madison. * * * Mrs. Madison was the
charm and the life of every social circle in which she
appeared.

Mr. Abbott quotes John Quincy Adams:

Of that band of benefactors of the human race, the
founders of the Constitution of the United States, James
Madison is the last who has gone to his reward. Their
glorious work has survived them all. They have trans-
mitted the precious bond to us, now entirely a succeed-
ing generation to them. May it never cease to be a
voice of admonition to us, of our duty to transmit the
inheritance unimpaired to our children of the rising age !

Mr. Abbott supplements:

She was one of the most remarkable women our
country has produced; and it is fitting that her memory

460

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

should descend to posterity in company with that of the
companion of her life.

A grand-nephew, J. Madison Cutts:

I was accustomed to stand by her side at her recep-
tions, often holding her hand, and was introduced to
her friends as "her little Madison," and well remember
one of those occasions when I saw around her Webster,
Clay and Calhoun, and ever afterward was accustomed
to call the Kentucky statesman "Cousin Henry." I had
the most implicit faith in her, and often on several of
her birthdays, moved and instigated by my cousin Anna,
her adopted daughter, I had asked her, "Aunty, how
old are you," and received annually the same reply. I
at first believed that she never could grow older. With
equal faith when she told me that the statue of Jeffer-
son, then in front of the White House, always went to
dinner whenever it heard the bell ring, I would sit for
hours watching it, until with developing reasoning
powers I had learned my first lesson in logic—to supply
another premise, "but it never hears the bell ring," and
draw the correct conclusion, therefore it never goes to
dinner.

A grandniece, Adele Cutts Williams, describes a levee
of the latter days:

The earliest recollections I have of Aunt Madison are
associated with a lovely day in May or June when ar-
rayed in our best, my brother and I accompanied our
mother across the ragged little square opposite the White
House. We were ushered in by Ralph the young negro,
who had succeeded Paul so well known as Mr. Mad-
ison's body-servant in old times. We were announced
as "young Master and Miss." My mother was "Miss
Ellen." This was called Mrs. Madison's Levee-day and
everybody came, much as they do now, to make a short

461

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

visit, gossip a little, then give place to new-comers.
Aunt stood near the window. I was a curious little
girl only eight or nine years of age, and my wide-open
eyes saw a very sweet-looking lady, tall and very erect.
She greeted us affectionately and told us to go with
Cousin Anna (Anna Payne) who would amuse the
young people. I clung to my mother's hand and took
observations after the manner of children in general.

Aunt Madison wore a purple velvet dress, with plain
straight skirt amply gathered to a tight waist — cut low
and filled in with soft tulle. Her pretty white throat
was encircled by a lace cravatte such as the old-fash-
ioned gentlemen used to wear, tied twice around and
fastened with an amethyst pin (which I remember, as
Aunt afterwards gave my mother the earrings to cor-
respond and I was sometimes allowed to wear them.)
Thrown lightly over the shoulders was a little lace shawl
or cape as in her portrait. I thought her turban very
wonderful, as I never saw any one else wear such a
head-dress. It was made of some soft silky material
and became her rarely.

There were two little bunches of very black curls on
either side the smooth white brow; her eyes were blue
and laughed when she smiled and greeted the friends
who seemed so glad to see her. I wondered at her
smooth soft skin as I was told that she was over seventy,
which at that time was a great age to me.

A throng of people passed in and out, among them
some old ladies, whom I have since known or heard of
as the wives of men known to fame. There was Mrs.
Decatur who at that time lived in a little cottage near
Georgetown College, and never went out except to call
on Aunt Madison. She wore a little close bonnet, and
had great sad dark eyes. Mrs. Lear (Mrs. Tobias Lear
whose husband was Washington's secretary) was
another most beautiful old lady whom we all called
Aunt, I suppose because all the children loved her. Mr.
Bancroft who lived in the Ogle Tayloe house, next door;
Mr. and Mrs. Webster, whom I saw for the first time;

462

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

also Mrs. Polk who was always so gracefully attentive
to Mrs. Madison, and was then a tall, handsome, young-
looking person and much beloved in society, which was
of course much smaller and more united than at this
time when the circle is so much larger. I cannot re-
member if I saw Mr. Clay on that occasion, but I have
often been honored as a child at Aunt's house by his
friendly greeting. In those days our people were great
Whigs, and even now I recall the family mourning over
his defeat in the Presidential canvass. There were
some foreign ministers who attracted my attention; also
I think, M. Bodisco with his beautiful young wife; and
M. Calderon de la Barca with his wife whom I shall
always remember as the most charming hostess for
young people. Long after, when I was still a school-
girl, I, with other girls of my own age, was allowed to
go to her evenings which she called "Tertulias." We
spoke Spanish or French, and I think many of us may
thank Madame Calderon that through her we were stim-
ulated to take up the real study of these two languages.
This Levee was over at four o'clock, when only we
of the family remained with Aunt who was still fresh
and smiling. I have a very distinct consciousness in
connection with this Levee that she disliked nothing so
much as loud talking or laughing.*

Jessie Benton Fremont in Souvenirs of My Time:

I had the good fortune to be in Westminster Abbey
and hear Dean Stanley illustrate the Parable of the
Talents from the use made of "talents" committed to
their keeping by three distinguished men. *

Three women come to my mind as illustrious of this
parable ; one, as having kept hers "wrapped in a napkin."
Each of them I knew in her very old age when time had
put its stamp and verdict on the result; each had large
talents entrusted to her, and long life and conspicuous
position in which to use them.

*Our Early Presidents, their Wives and Children. Harriet Tay-
lor Upton.

463

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison was one. As the wife of a President,
and during the stirring war time of 1812, she had a
governing position. She had the great gift of healthy
beauty, and much clear common sense as well as quick
wit; but her crowning talent was her charm of manners.
She had what the French term courtoisie de coeur, as
well as the courtesy of form also. This no selfish per-
son can have. * * *

The Empress Josephine must have had much the same
manner as Mrs. Madison. So had Madame Recamier;
I knew intimately well in Paris one of her old French
friends who was part of her youth, as well as of her
late days, who gave me a lovable instance of her prompt
sympathy.

I have heard many things, * * * of Mrs. Mad-
ison's way of receiving in the White House. While
she was talking with the more distinguished people of
her quick eye would mark some shy young man, or
nervous-looking woman, not yet used to the society in
which she was so naturally at home; after the first part
of the reception she always moved about the rooms as a
lady would in her own house, and in her own bright
natural way said something to any one, and especially to
these shy and nervous people which made them glow
with the pleased feeling that they were welcome and
made to be part of her reception. * * *

Mrs. Madison's considerate happy manner outlasted
time and change and many troubles, and made her house
in Washington a place where strangers and residents
went with pleasure — a shabby house, and the tall hand-
some old lady in shabby old gowns of velvet or brocade
nowise altered from the fashion of her days of power.
But she was Mrs. Madison. And in the Washington
of my younger day name and character outranked ap-
pearances. No one questioned her wearing these short-
waisted, puff-sleeved, gored velvet gowns, with a muslin
neckerchief tucked into the low waist of the gown, and
a little India scarf of lovely faded tones over it. A
wide and stiff quilling of net rose high around her throat

464

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

always — and, I fear me, a little rouge and powder were
also in use to cover Time's footsteps ; the bad taste of
the day discouraged gray hair, and Mrs. Madison's dark
row of curls was always surmounted by a turban. And
with all this she was handsome, magnetic and simply
dignified. And very agreeable — with a memory and
kind words for every one.

She dined out often and was the chief person always ;
and on New Year's day her rooms were crowded, for
every one who was any one went there across from the
President's.

Marian Gouveneur :

It is to the kindness of Mrs. Madison Cutts that I
owe the memory of a pleasant visit to Mrs. Madison.
She took me to call upon her one afternoon, and I shall
never forget the impression made upon me by her turban
and long earrings. Her surroundings were of a most
interesting character and her graceful bearing and
sprightly presence, even in extreme old age, have left a
lasting picture upon my memory. * * * The after-
noon of my memorable visit to this former mistress of
the White House I remember meeting quite a number
of visitors in her drawing-room, as temporary sojourn-
ers at the National Capital were often eager to meet
the gracious woman who had figured so conspicuously
in the social history of the country.*

Mary Estelle Craig, when little Molly Cutts, was much
of the time with her popular grand-aunt. She says:

My recollections of Aunt Madison are most charming
and have been a green place in my memory all these
years; she was always so lovely and kind to her little
grandnieces, took so much interest in us and presented
us to every one who came to call.

*As I Remember; Recollections of American Society During the
Nineteenth Century.

465

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

And, "Mrs. Craig remembers very vividly her Christ-
mas spent with her aunt. The presents dear to the child
heart given by Mrs. Madison with a tender kiss. 'Christ-
mas box, Molly,' as she said. Then church at St. John's
and later a levee where Mrs. Madison, stately in black
velvet and white lace, would receive first her friends and
later strangers. Mrs. Craig frequently met at her aunt's,
Webster, Clay and Calhoun and later Mr. Buchanan."

Mrs. Craig is the daughter of Thomas and Hannah
H. Cutts. She is the widow of Captain William Craig,
U. S. A.

Danville

December (23)

Ky
My dearest Aunt,

I am quite ashamed to own that I have not written
to you since I left Washington City. But my dearest
Aunt, its not my fault for I have been going to school
ever since to Mr & Mrs Steavenson who are considered
very excelent teachers, they are assisted by two Miss
Miss Franklin's Mrs Stevenson's sisters. There are a
great many schools hear and also a College which con-
tains nearly 200 students ;

I think this is the dullest place I ever lived in their
has not been a dancing party hear since I have been
hear. Their is a man hear trying to rais a dancing
school but I doant think he will succeed. Ma received
a leter from Uncle John the other day he said he sent
me a very splendid book cost him 75 dollars Dear
Aunt I have not a word of news to tell you so I must
close for the present Christ mas Gift

All join in love to you and Cousin Annie good by
your affectionate neice

Mary Estelle Cutts

Mrs. Madison's originations and quotations:
In her mother's album:

466

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The passions are like sounds of nature, only heard in
her solitudes. Our senses may captivate us with beauty,
but in absence we can forget or by reason we can con-
quer so superficial an impression; our vanity may enam-
our us with rank, but the affections of vanity are traced
in sand; but who can love genius and not feel that the
sentiments it excites partake of its own intenseness and
its own immortality?

D. P. Madison.*

What would the world be to us if the children were no

more?
We should dread the desert behind us worse than the

dark before. f

'Tis poor and not becoming perfect gentry
To build their glories at their fathers' cost,

But at their own expense of blood and virtue
To raise their living monuments.!

It is what we deserve when we do not even try to
appreciate the good the gods provide us.

Thomas Jefferson who was not in America pending
the framing of the Constitution, whose information in
all that occurred in the Convention, and of the motives
and intents of the framers are derived from Mr Madison
whose opinions guided him in the construction of that
instrument, is looked up to by many as its father and
almost unanimously as its only true expositor.

Honor, like the rainbow, flies the pursuer, and pursues
the flier.

D. P. Madison.

June 25th 1842

*Dolly Madison. J. Madison Cutts.

Vbid.

tlbid.

467

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison excused her erring son, saying: "For-
give his eccentricities, for his heart is all right"; and
adding the quotation with which Mr. Madison attempted
to console her :

Errors like straws upon the surface flow;

Those who would seek for pearls must dive below.*

For Mifs Dahlgren.
— Deliberate on all things with thy friend ;
But since friends grow not thick on every bough,
First, on thy friend, deliberate with thyself,
Pause, ponder, sift, not eager in the choice
Nor jealous of the chosen; fixing, for
Judge before friendship, then confide till death.

D. P. Madison
Washington Feby 14th I849.f

The governmental residence of the President was
originally called The President's House ; and subsequently
The Executive Mansion; both dignified designations.
The earliest mention of it in this publication as the White
House is in Mrs. Tyler's letter, 1841. By that time,
the name had become popularized. The name came
through some unexplained pleasantry during the Jack-
son administration. $

The President's House for a period was known as
The Great House. It is so called in Mrs. Thornton's
diary, March 11, 1809; Mrs. Smith's letter, November
23, 1817; Mr. Knapp's historical annotation, 1837.

*Dolly Madison. J. Madison Cutts.

■\Dolly Madison. Maud Wilder Goodwin.

$See The Story of the White House— Esther Singleton. Vol. I,
pp. 210'1.

Social Life in the Early Republic— Anne Hollingsworth Whar-
ton, p. 240.

468

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Strange it is that such an important circumstance should
have been lost. Of the fanciful names in the early days
are the Castle,* the Palace, f and the big house. $

Mrs. Madison's identification with the District is a
half century. As she advanced in age, in epochs of ten
years, the population, as in the schedule, increased. The
increase at the conclusion of the half century was be-
tween twelve and thirteen times the commencement. A
population of forty thousand that was within the lines
of Rock Creek westward and the Eastern Branch east-
ward, and south of Massachusetts avenue and included
the rather thickly populated Georgetown was unques-
tionably well scattered or not, at least, congested in any
locality.

CENSUS

Colored

Washington

Georgetown

County

Total

included

1800 . .

. . 3210

2993.

1941

8144

2472

1810 . .

. . 8208

4908

2315

15431

5126

1820 . .

. .13247

7360

2726

23333

7278

1830 . .

. .18827

8441

2993

30261

9110

1840 . .

. .23364

7312

3069

33745

9819

1850 . .

. .40001

8366

3320

51687

13746

In the last decade the population increased fifty per
cent. It was a rapid increase compared with the ten
year periods previous. Mrs. Madison had civic pride;
she had a pride in the District. And because of the

*Mrs. Abigail Adams and Mrs. Madison.
fMrs. Seaton.
JMrs. Smith.

§The Establishment and Government of the District of Colum-
bia. William Tindall.

469

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

increase and improvement she was delighted and exult-
ingly wrote to the lady in Georgetown :

Let me persuade you to come soon my way in order
that I may shew you the improvements diffused through-
out a District which has hitherto crept lazily towards
perfection.

Exclusive of those mentioned in the narrative these
entertained Mrs. Madison by dinner or other social at-
tention.

Abert

Col. and Mrs. Charles

Alsop

Mr. and Mrs. Richard, 93 So. 4th

St., Philadelphia, April 13,

1842.

Aulick

Com. and Mrs. John H.

Bache

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander D., Miss

Bache

Bell

Mr. and Mrs. John

Berrien

Mr. and Mrs. John McPherson

Blair

Mr. and Mrs. Francis P.

Bodisco

Mr. and Mrs. Alexandre de

Burd

Mrs. E. S.

Calderon de la Barca

Senor Don A.

Carroll

Mr. and Mrs. William T.

Carter

Mrs., Caroline Place. Georgetown

Heights.

Clarke

Mr. and Mrs. John H.

Carvalho Moreira

Chev. F. J. de and Mme.

Coxe

Mr. and Mrs. Richard S.

Cross

Mrs. William B.

Ctitts

Mrs. L. Henry

Dallas

Mr. and Mrs. George M. and

Misses Dallas

Dickens

Mr. and Mrs. Asbury

Gadsby

Mrs. John

Gamble

Mr. and Mrs. James

470

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Gardiner

Col. and Mrs. C. K.

Gouveneur

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L.

Grinnell

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph

Harris

Mrs. Esther W.

Henderson

Gen. and Mrs. Archibald

Hill

Mrs. Charles (Ann S.)

Mrs. Clement

Hunter

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander

Jesup

Gen. and Mrs. Thomas S.

Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Henry

Jones

Lieut, and Mrs. Roger

Macomb

Gen. and Mrs. Alexander

Mason

Mr. and Mrs. John Young

Meade

Mrs. Richard K.

Morris

Com. and Mrs. Charles, Misses

Morris

Mosher

Mrs. Theodore

Norris

Mr. and Mrs. Moses

Paulding

Mr. and Mrs. James K., Miss

Kemble

Parish

Mrs. Levi

Pleasanton

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen

Plitt

Mrs. Sophie W.

Poinsett

Mr. and Mrs. Joel R.

Riggs

Mrs. George W.

Ritchie

Mrs. Thomas

Robinson

Mr. and Mrs. James, Mount

Hope, Georgetown Heights.

Rodgers

Com. and Mrs. John

Scott

Gen. and Mrs. Winfield S.

Sewall

Dr. Thomas

Shubrick

Com. and Mrs. William B.

Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L.

Stockton

Com. and Mrs. Robert F.

Towson

Gen. and Mrs. Nathan

Van Rensselaer

Elizabeth R.

Van Zandt

N. H.

Walker

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J.

Warrington

Lieut. Lewis, Miss Warrington

471

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Watson

Lieut, and Mrs.

Wethered

Mr. and Mrs. John

Wickliffe

Mr. and Mrs. C. A.

Wilkins

Mr. and Mrs. William

Winthrop

Mr. Robert C.

Woodbury

Mr. and Mrs. Levi

Young

Mr. and Mrs. W.

Mrs. Madison kept tab of the visits received by her
and reciprocated the courtesy. Her acquaintance were
of the first citizens; however, she socially recognized
worth even if it had not the credentials of fashion, for-
tune or position. She was punctilious in the observance
of social obligations and from the sincerity of goodwill
endeavored to escape the oversight of any one even the
least known. And she made the memorandum :

Mrs Watmough (enquire the names & residence of
the party introduced by her.)

There is a complete record of Mrs. Madison's visiting
itinerary for two weeks — January — February, 1845.
She visited thirty places, some days, and, of course, met
more than that number of people. She systemed the
localities so as to save time and travel.

The painting is almost the natural man.

— Shakespeare.

We are indebted for the reproduction of Mrs. Madison
by Gilbert Stuart to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine
Arts; Mr. and Mrs. James Madison by T. C. Liebers to
Miss Mary M. McGuire; Mrs. Thomas Law by Gilbert
Stuart to Mrs. Charles T. A. McCormick ; Anthony Mor-
ris by James Peak to Effingham B. Morris; Dr. and Mrs.

472

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

William Thornton by Gilbert Stuart to Mrs. Sterling
Murray; Marcia Burnes by James Peale to the Corcoran
Gallery of Art; Mrs. John P. Van Ness by C. B. King
to the Washington City Orphan Asylum; Mrs. Madison
by Fleming to Mrs. Mary E. Craig; Mrs. Madison by
W. S. Elwell to Admiral Seaton Schroeder; Mrs. Rich-
ard Bland Lee to Mrs. Fannie W. Reading; and of Mrs.
Mary E. Craig to herself.

I cannot but remark a kind of respect, perhaps un-
consciously, paid to this great man by his biographers;
every house in which he resided is historically mentioned,
as if it were an injury to neglect naming any place that
he honored by his presence.

Dr. Samuel Johnson — Life of Milton.

For photographs of mansions we are indebted for
Scotchtown to Mrs. Walton Redd; Harewood (interior)
to Mrs. A. Francis Millot; Sydney to Miss Elizabeth
Ross and Mrs. J. Ross Thomson; Carroll Row to Wil-
helmus B. Bryan, Esq. ; Dolly Madison House to the
Cosmos Club, and Kalorama to Mrs. Corra Bacon-
Foster; Rosedale to Mrs. Louisa Key Norton.

For letters not heretofore published we are indebted
to Mrs. John Bratton Erwin (Miss Louise Forrest
Nourse), and Mrs. Mary C. Coffey; to Mrs.
Henry L. Mann; to the Library of Congress, the Public
Library, Boston, the New York Public Library, the
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Haverford
College, of Haverford, Pennsylvania. We should make
particular mention of the all-time courtesy of the Manu-
script Division, chief and corps of the Library of
Congress.

Appleton Prentiss Clark Griffin, Chief Assistant Li-
brarian of the Library of Congress, of all the bookmen,

473

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

none more versed, has given us the full helpfulness of
his knowledge.

We have as yet in our quest for reminiscence found
aught but kind thought of Mrs. Madison except in one
instance and that an inherited dislike because an ancestral
mistress had done something not strictly above reproach
in other castes than the ultra-fashionable and it being re-
ported to Mrs. Madison and her opinion requested, com-
plied, "She is a hussy."

Any sketch of Mrs. Madison will from the repetition
have a familiar ring. A sketch will be a rearranging of
incidents and rearranging of conclusions. The life has
been well and rather completely written ; and the sources
of research have been nearly to the limit explored. We
have tried for biographic brevity without panegyric ad-
jective. To the charge there is more of quotation than
originality we admit that we have left what others have
said as they said it, as better said than we can say it. It
is said that nobody ever published a second book because
of the results of the first. We are hopeful this presenta-
tion of Dolly Madison will be generally thought in some
measure worthy of her; anyhow the labor has already
had the profit of pleasure.

We have adhered to the promise made in the outset
not to amplify the letters of Mrs. Madison. She was a
talented letter writer, that must be apparent to all, and
that the talent had unusual diversity. From the letters,
those from her and those to her, from the events of her
life made authentic by current account, her character
can be read as plainly as if printed in boldest type in
brightest gold on darkest background. The great sta-
tions she honored and her greatness in every station of
life and her greatness in every exigency of life make her
of the greatest of American women.

474

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison's correspondence was with those char-
acters who had the merit of worth. She had thoughts
well expressed and carefully penned. Not often were
any of her letters carelessly written; none, in "tortured
or twisted penmanship." Illegibility was not an item of
her greatness. No letter of hers would have gone by
the route of the Dead Letter Office even had there then
been that department to solve the puzzles.

Mrs. Madison was not without hostility and particu-
larly in Virginia during Mr. Madison's first Presidential
campaign. At a distance she was less formidable than
in personal encounter for the inevitable snuffbox was a
weapon of conquest.

The magic influence which the tender of her snuff-
box exerted, won from the most obdurate a relaxation
from hostility ; for none partook of its contents, so
graciously and kindly offered, and retained a feeling
inimical to its owner.*

Mrs. Madison, of course, knew that the snuffbox is
the Portuguese olive branch and that the production of
it is a conciliatory offer and that the to-be-concilated is
to insert thumb and finger in it, although he detests the
dust, if he consents to peace.

Mrs. Madison, like Mr. Clay, was very fond of snuff.
The lady offered him a pinch from her splendid box
which the gentleman accepteci^with the grace_.jfor~ which
he was distinguished. Mrs. Madison ^ufher hand in
her pocket, and pulling out a bandanna handkerchief,
said, "Mr. Clay, this is for rough work," at the same
time applying it at the proper place; "and this," pro-
ducing a fine lace handkerchief from another pocket,
"is my polisher."f

*Illustrious Cltaracters. Mrs. Madison. Thomas Wyatt, A.M.
^Recollections of Men and Things of Washington During the
Third of a Century. L. A. Gobright.

475

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison in advanced age was so addicted to
snuff that as remembered by an acquaintance, a woman,
the bare tips of her mittened hand were tobacco stained.

We have not been able to find the faults of Dolly'
Madison. That the heroine of ouar book was without
faults, minor ones to be sure, we do not claim. We
acknowledge that we do not find them — to confess them
and have full credit for the excellences. For it is Doctor
Johnson's standard that

he that claims, either in himself or for another, the
honours of perfection, will surely injure the reputation
which he designs to assist;

however, Dolly's foundation is too firm to be unsteadied
by any sketchist.

Mrs. Madison, concurrently would write to her mother,
"thee and thine," and to her husband, "you and yours";
she would address him as "My darling husband"; she
would refer to him to the kindred as Madison, to the
public as Mr. Madison. She could gratify the epicurean
appetite of the foreigners and so assure the doubting
Quakeresses to call forth their benediction. This is
not duplicity; this is "even as I please all men in all
things."

Theodore Roosevelt in the History of Literature says
"the great historian, if the facts permit him, will put
before us the men and women as they actually lived, so
that we shall recognize them for what they were — living
beings." And, in the reconstruction of such an historian,
we have attempted to have Mrs. Madison live on paper
as she lived in life. And, her adherence to truth was
in that degree, she might quote :

I pray you in your letters.

5JC 3|C 3|E

Speak of me as I am.
476

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The detail of Mrs. Madison's biographic life we think
sufficient for a "Flemish picture"; and if with the de-
tail we had the ability to employ the beautiful colors
appropriate to the portrayal of the subject, the picture
would be a Meissonier.

Mrs. Madison gave respect to all entitled to respect.
The rich and poor, exalted and humble, white and black,
had kindly recognition. If we do not call to mind her
solicitude for the aged; she seemed more attentive to
children and felt sympathetically to them great, their
little joys and griefs. Among Mrs. Trist's "childish
recollections is her 'running away with us,' as she play-
fully expressed it, when she took us away with her in
her carriage, to give us a drive and then take us home
with her to play with two of her nieces near our ages, and
lunch on cranberry tarts." Her attentiveness to age has
striking illustration in that incident of the venerable Mrs.
Madison, her husband's mother, who approaching the
century line, leaned, although lightly, on support — point-
ing to Mrs. Madison, junior, and saying — "She is my
mother now." She was well informed. She may have
read much. Mrs. Seaton is authority that she did and
books of educational uplift. But Mr. Preston noticing
she always entered the drawing-room with a volume in
her hand, said, "Still you have time to read." "Oh, no,"
said she, "not a word; I have this book in my hand — a
very fine copy of Don Quixote — to have something not
ungraceful to say, and, if need be to supply a word of
talk." Mrs. Madison read sentiment rather than slaugh-
ter. To her niece, Dolly, March 10, 1830:

By the bye, do you ever get hold of a clever novel,
new or old, that you could send me? I bought Cooper's
last, but did not care for it, because the story was so
full of horrors.

477

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Madison's day was before the day of agitation
for advancement of women politically. What her align-
ment would have been is useless to consider as it would
be a guess without an answer. She was fully feminine.
She liked jewels and finery; and she liked costumes of
rich material, of creation, beautiful and striking, artis-
tically. The dress of woman has elements of art as has
painting. She was skillful in domestic direction. All
moved easily, without confusion and without observable
command. Her husband did not have added to his wor-
ries the daily recital of housekeeping woes; there was
no woeful recitals at all. The guest within the walls
was always at home as at his own fireside and of the
many with the attentions he received felt himself the *
favored. She was up early in the morning before her
guests were astir, her bundle of keys dangling from the
waist, campaigning the details of the day; and to the
guest every day was a new and different day during
his guest-time. In every department she, herself, was
an expert in execution, whether to cook, or to sew or to
put into order, or anything, and what she could do, she
could tell others how to do. Mrs. Madison had all the
attributes of a prudent wife and "a prudent wife is from
the Lord." And prudence conducts to felicity.

Among the papers of Mrs. Madison are her grocers'
pass-books and her pass-books with the booksellers. She
evidently thought, as well as the body, the mind needs
daily nourishment and for healthiness, variety. Her
treasured papers consist of communications — business
and friendly correspondence — and dainty notes, tendering
her invitations, with fancifully laced edges, flowered and
ribboned. This treasury has prescriptions to cure the
ailments and recipes to please the palate. Of the latter
is Mrs. Madison's recipe for

478

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Sponge Cake.
One lb. flour,
One dozen eggs,
One and an half lbs. sugar,
The juice of two lemons and the rind of three grated.

Mrs. Madison was as far north as New York and south
as North Carolina and not west of a narrow coast line.
Contracted her life-territory was yet by association with
those from everywhere she was cosmopolite. She says:
"I was educated in Philadelphia." That education was
enlarged by conversation and by her help to her student
husband. She lived as appears in her girlhood on the
plantation in Virginia and in the city of Philadelphia;
in her womanhood, in that city, in the city of Washing-
ton and on the plantation in Virginia, Montpellier. Her
visits were to New York, to Annapolis, to Baltimore, to
Richmond, to the White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, to
be sure her life was spent within a small territory.

Mrs. Madison was a miracle. She was the miracle
that all the great in spirit are. Her presence when she
had entered filled the room. The radiance of her moral
beauty diffused cheer and dispelled gloom. All paid
homage to her and in the doing but so did to the virtues
of which she was an embodiment. They who were close
by would have touched the hem of her garment in the
thought that from her to them passed virtue. When
she was there, everybody felt the occasion was more
than ordinary and were inspired to appear to admirable
advantage.

Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,
In every gesture dignity and love.

Milton : Paradise Lost.

479

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

When she was present, everybody would be like her,
and possess a portion of the ennobling attributes. Her
smiles and sweetness were the sesame to every heart.
Her sympathy for others which sincerely caused her to
rejoice with the rejoicing and sorrow with the sorrow-
ing was from a love — a love of others, in degree greater
than for herself. She was a daughter of heaven for she
loved them, if any there were, who loved her not. She
saluted all likeunto the sun which rises on the good and
evil and the rain which descends on the just and the
unjust.

Here's a sigh to those who love me,
And a smile to those who hate.
And whatever skies above me,
Here's a heart for every fate.

— Lord Byron to Tom Moore.

Good begets good. She was always receiving; it was
because she was always giving. And in her darkest
days, she was lightening the hearts of others with choice
keepsakes as others were striving to lighten her darkness
with appropriate attentions, delicately bestowed.

Selfishness is so strong that sensibility to other's for-
tunes or misfortunes is weak. This selfishness is nigh
universal. A mask for selfishness is in giving when re-
ceiving, in bookkeeping debtor and creditor exactness.
Selfishness may pay well, it seems to, in the possession
of goods and chattels yet if good-will of others is a more
valuable possession then unselfishness pays better. It
is a lesson of Mrs. Madison's life.

Dorothea was quickly changed to Dolly. The pet
name stood as her real name. Some preferred to
spell it, Dolley.

480

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The date of death is given as 1768. The grand-
niece who wrote Memoirs and Letters and others
state it as 1772. We think the date as herein given
more likely correct from various comparative circum-
stances; and that the statement of Anne Royall made
at the time of Mrs. Madison's death and with whom
sh© was well acquainted entitled to credence.

On the monument that marks her grave at Mont-
pellier is carved:

MEMORY

DOLLEY PAYNE

WIFE OF

JAMES MADISON
BORN

MAY 20, 1^68,

DIED

JULY 8, 1849-

Nature perennially decorates the grave. The
glossy myrtle spreads over, and from it springs a
woodbine which tenderly entwists around the slight
shaft, and at the foot is a large boxwood. It is in a
corner of the Madison burial enclosure and next to
the tall monument to "Madison." The enclosure has
the keeping of the Madison, the Conway and the Wil-
lis remains. The wall is of brick and low; the gate
is of iron and has a scroll, "Madison, 1720."

Montpellier is the country-seat of William duPont,
Esquire. The classic mansion sits far back from the
old gates. Forward and near to the side of the man-
sion is the summer house, a circle of columns. Rear-

481

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ward and to the other side, the flower garden. Mont-
pellier is preserved and protected; it has the perfection
of that care which landscape gardening and abundant
wealth can give. The ancient forest kings, mighty-
bodied, huge-armed and heaven-reaching, stand ma-
jestically. In the grove, back of the mansion, the
rhododendron gives gayety. All about nature is as-
sisted by artistic arrangement.

The preservation of Montpellier creates a due of
gratitude, and national, for with it is most closely as-
sociated the memory of Madison, "the Father of the
Constitution," and of "Dolly Madison, now famous as
the most graceful and courtly hostess the White
House ever had."*

Dolly was a little Miss the day the liberty bell in
the Philadelphia tower rang out for declared inde-
pendence. She was a light-hearted girl when she
heard the women at home with smiles pass along the
rumors of Marion's and Sumter's successful attacks
on Cornwallis's hosts of imported invaders and native
allies. She was twelve when their looks were anxious
at the report of the traitor Arnold's seizure at the city
— the city of Richmond. Her coming to Philadelphia
preceded two months the ringing of the liberty bell for
decided independence. She saw the first and succes-
sive steps of the new republic in the attempt to go
alone. Surely she is a daughter of the American Rev-
olution. She was the first lady when the second war
with Great Britain was declared; she was the first
lady at its close. Then Dolly Madison is a Daughter
of the American Revolution and she is the eldest
daughter of its confirmation.

*Mrs. Frank Learned.
482

CHAPTER XI

Apropos

JOHN PAYNE TODD, "Payne" was his mother's
idol. He, her only son, was all of her contribution
to the world's life. He was educated at a
Catholic institution in Baltimore under the care of
Madame Bonaparte. He was in looks, handsome; in
manners, elegant. That of manliest beauty was he, see
to be convinced, the miniature by Joseph Wood repro-
duced. In society he moved with grace and talked with
ease and excited the admiration of his girl cousins.
When with the peace commission abroad he was called
"the American Prince" and was courted by the nobility
and in after years Mr. Clay derisively reminded him :

Do you remember when you were with us in Russia
that John Quincy Adams and the rest of us sat in the
gallery, and apart from you, and watched you dance
with the Princess, we being disbarred because we were
not of the royalty.

It is said that his French was more pure than his Eng-
lish, and likely it was, for his many letters although
plainly penned are not so plainly understood. He was
self-willed and thoughtless. Knowing that his mother's
partiality for his presence not only absented himself and
unaccounted himself for long lengths of time but ne-
glected to acknowledge her letters. Having written six
or so without evoking a reply, she would write to the
Postmaster to be sure that they had been delivered. He

483

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

may have resented the apron-string idea. He was dis-
sipated. He drank to excess ; he ate in excess. His letters
on business indicates he was querulous and suspicious.
He caught the mulberry epidemic and imported the
Frenchmen to manufacture the silk ere he planted the
trees. He built on his plantation, Toddsbirth, nigh
unto Montpellier, a Babel-like tower with ball room and
state room. Around it, he set small buildings, one of
them for his mother, with a window by which she could
climb into the dining-room. He was, it is said, for a
while to President Madison, private secretary. He was
a candidate for Congress but his might-be constituents
were too critical to give him sufficient votes. In late
life he had less slender shapeliness and more globe-like-
ness and suggested Falstaff and sac. In late life he
lost the admiration of his kin. A cousin recalling him
writes :

As for my cousin, Payne Todd, my childish memories
of him do not bear repeating. His manners were per-
fectly Grandisonian, but I was a little afraid of him.
Do not ask me why.

To this writer, a relative refers to him as "the miser-
able creature." His extravagance and erratic methods
caused his mother great financial loss. The knowledge
of these facts caused Congress in the second appropria-
tion to create the safeguard of trusteeship. With all his
faults, with all the weariness and worries he gave her,
the mother never lost confidence in him and the hope
that eventually he would redeem himself. He was not
without, at times, manly ambition but revelry and re-
verses made him unequal of accomplishment. Not all
speak ill of him. A former generation has passed some
kind things of him, more particularly in the line of cul-

484

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

ture. With generous impulse in his last will and testa-
ment he gave freedom to his slaves for whom he had no
further use and perhaps had all already sold.

This belated notice appeared. Doily National Intel-
ligencer. Tuesday, January 27, 1852:

In this city, on the morning of the 17th instant, John
Payne Todd, Esq., in the 61st year of his age.

Mrs. Madison had all through her life family com-
panionship, that is, a relative lived with, a sister or a
niece. Her sister, Anna, lived continuously with her
until the marriage. A niece, Dolly P. Madison Payne,
lived with her* and on protracted visits, her nieces, Dolly
and Mary Cutts. Finally came to abide until the end,
Anna Payne,f a brother's daughter. Mrs. Madison took
the niece into her affections as a daughter and accepted
her as an adopted daughter. Miss Payne was the private
secretary and so assisting that she of the house was all
the daughters, and all the brothers, too.

Harriet Taylor Upton of her quotes :

Anna Payne was not handsome, her features being
irregular; but her devotion to Mrs. Madison entitles her
to the best rewards of Heaven. She was one of the
few purely unselfish persons whom one may meet in
a life-time.

After Mrs. Madison's death she was received into the
home of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Miller. She married Dr.
James H. Causten, jr.

*This memorandum is in the handwriting of John Payne Todd:
She has a sister named Dolly P. Madison who had probably been
more with Mrs. Madison during the life time of her husband and
until near the time of the departure of J. or J. C. Payne for the
western country.

■flbid.

485

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Virginia Miller says :

One of the interesting happenings at home on E street
was the marriage of Miss Anna Payne, Mrs. Madison's
niece, to whom my parents had offered a home after
Mrs. Madison's death. While with us she met and
married Dr. J. H. Causten, one of my father's favorite
pupils. The wedding took place in our parlor, Rev. Dr.
Pyne, of St. John's Church, officiating. My grand-
father, General Jones, as Mrs. Madison's friend and
legal adviser, gave the bride away. I have the
note in which Miss Payne asked him to add this to the
many kindnesses rendered her aunt and herself.*

Henry Clay entered into the joy of the occasion and
indicated a willingness not only to kiss the happy bride
but any of the pretty girls. f

Annie Payne was the daughter of John C. and Clara
W. Payne. She was born in Orange county, Virginia;
and died November 9, 1852.

Mary Estelle Elizabeth Cutts, between whom and Mrs.
Madison was a lively correspondence in the former's
youthful days and whenever apart throughout, died at
the residence of her cousin, Judge Allen, in Botetourt
county, Virginia. She was then in her forty-second year.
She was an amateur artist and made portraits in water
colors a special evidence of her talents.

My dear Aunt

As it is your birthday I send you the long desired
Cupid & hope you will prize it as much for the copyists'
sake as for the design — which will be more than most
people do — who generally solicit my drawings without
interest or care for my fair self.

*Dr. Thomas Miller and His Times. Virginia Miller.
fMrs. Fanny W. Reading was a guest.

486

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

I hope twenty more birthdays may dawn upon you
beautifully as this.

Your affectionate niece

Mary

Mrs. Frances Dandridge Henley Lear was the niece of
Mrs. Washington and the widow of Colonel Lear. She
was his third Mrs. Lear.* The Colonel was the tutor to
Mrs. Washington's grandchildren with his other Wash-
ington capacities. On Tuesday morning, December 2,
1856, she passed away. At her late residence, 2136
Pennsylvania avenue, where she lived so long, on Thurs-
day, the mourners gathered. The papers had nothing of
the sad service and of the lovely life, because, everybody
knew "Aunt Fanny," and everything about her. She
retained throughout amiable disposition ; and she retained
the fashions of her youth and in age appeared old-
fashioned.

That so many of the old residents of Washington dis-
tinctly remember Mrs. Lear and Mrs. Madison, notwith-
standing the improbability or contradiction of their look
of years, was the habit of the mothers to take along the
daughters, although yet little pinafore Misses, on their
social rounds. The writer has interviewed one man and
six women who have talked with Mrs. Madison and have
vivid recollections of her. The letters of Mrs. Lear to
Mrs. Madison are in a small part herein published. Mrs.
Lear wrote wkh a quill and stubbed at that.f

Of Tobias Lear "the private secretary and familiar
friend" of General Washington, that which is mortal,
has a "place of abode in the City of Silence,"$ otherwise

*First wife, Mary Long of Portsmouth, N. H. ; second wife,
Fanny Washington.

t Personal Recollections of Early Washington and a Sketch of the
Life of Captain William Easby. Wilhelmina M. Easby-Smith.

JA story has since been added.

487

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

the Congressional Cemetery, and with him in the abode
are his son, Benjamin Lincoln, and his daughter, Maria,
and Frances D., his widow. The latter was born No-
vember 17, 1779, and survived her husband an even
forty years.

Elizabeth Schuyler married the illustrious Alexan-
der Hamilton, December 9, 1780, then a lieutenant-col-
onel and an aide on Washington's staff. She was indus-
trious and intellectual. She was helpful to the founder
of the financial system by her work and by her wisdom.
In latter life she lived in the city of Washington. And
there completed the compilation of the Hamilton manu-
scripts which were acquired by the government. And
there shared with Mrs. Madison social supremacy. At
her residence — (N. S.) H. between Thirteenth and Four-
teenth streets N.W. — the most honorable had an impres-
sion of honor received in beholding her heartiness and
happiness. Her activity in the race with age never
flagged. Her active mind gave little chance for physical
rust. Her picture in youth — twenty-seven — is by James
Earle and reproduced in Appleton's Cyclopedia of Amer-
ican Biography; and in age — ninety-four — by Charles
Martin and reproduced in Social Life in the Early Re-
public.

Mrs. Hamilton was in Washington in Van Buren's
administration, and said to be in Jackson's and several
letters connect her with the social happenings during
Fillmore's.

In The Story of the White House is a letter quoted
from which is:

At a State dinner we met Mrs. Alexander Hamilton
whom Mr. Fillmore escorted to the table — a plain little

488

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

old lady and very plainly dressed. The dinner con-
sisted of nine courses, and we sat from seven to nine.

In Social Life in the Early Republic a letter by Julia
F. Miller is quoted:

She was ninety-two years of age at this time and died
two years after. She was a tiny little woman, most
active and interesting, although she could never have
been pretty in her life. She kept me by her side, hold-
ing me by the hand, telling me of the things most inter-
esting to me. How she knew Washington (with whom
she was a great favorite), and Lafayette, who was "a
most interesting young man." How they were often
at the house of her father. Gen. Philip Schuyler. How
when she was a child she was free of the Washington
residence, and if there was company Mrs. Washington
would dress her up in something pretty and make her
stay to dinner, even if she came uninvited, so that she
was presentable at table. She showed me the Stuart
portrait of Washington, painted for her, and for which
he sat; the old Schuyler chairs and tiny mirrors; most
interesting to me. This tiny dot of a woman and of
such a great age, happened to think of something in
her room which she wanted to show Abbie. Her
daughter, Mrs. Hamilton Holley, offered to get it for
her. "Sit down, child, don't you think I can get it
myself?" and up she went and got it, whatever it was.

Mrs. Hamilton was born in Albany, New York, Au-
gust 9, 1757. In Washington she died at four in the
morning of Thursday, November 9. 1854. The sub-
traction was evenly ninety-seven years and three months.

Editorially the Daily National Intelligencer says :

It was this great man who sought and won Elizabeth
Schuyler, and that fact is enough to show her worth.
But, had she been no more than an ordinarily endowed

489

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

woman, it would have been impossible to have passed
twenty-four years of happy intercourse with such a hus-
band without having her mind richly stored from the
treasures of his mighty intellect; and those who knew
her even in her declining years will be ready to testify
that she was a rare example of the wisdom taught by
observant experience, and a bright example of all wom-
anly graces. Her benevolence was most exemplary, and
one of the finest manifestations of it was her habit to
within a few months of her death, of making occasional
visits to all the schools of the city, and she never did
so without imparting some moral lesson which showed
how deep an interest she took in the welfare of the
countrv which her husband had contributed so largelv
to make free and independent.

Richard Bland Lee was a Representative from Vir-
ginia, March 4, 1789, to March 3, 1795. He voted "aye"
for locating the seat of government on the Potomac.
He located in Washington. He was judge of the Or-
phans' Court, and was of the commission to re-erect the
public buildings. He lived in the Law Mansion at the
N. E. corner of Sixth and M streets S.W. He died in
Washington, March 12, 1827.

Says Mrs. Fannie W. Reading: "There were four
great women — Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Madison, Mrs. Lear
and Mrs. Lee." Mrs. Reading is the granddaughter of
the Mrs. Lee.

Mrs. Lee when a maid was Miss Elizabeth Collins.*
She lived in Philadelphia ; she was born there, February
8, 1768. She was the confidante of Dolly Payne, when
that was Dolly's name ; of Dolly Todd, when that was the
name: and of Dolly Madison, the finality name. When
Dolly was lovely as bride in the Quaker Meeting-house,
Elizabeth Collins was lovely as bridesmaid. Not so long
after she took her turn as the principal in the scene of

*Married, 1794.
490

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

loveliness; it was when she married the handsome Con-
gressman from Virginia, Mr. Lee. It was to this con-
fidante that Dolly excitedly wrote :

Thou must come to me, — Aaron Burr says that the
great little Madison has asked to be brought to see me
this evening.

It was to Mrs. Lee she wrote from Harewood, the
last time as Mrs. Todd and the first time as Mrs. Madi-
son. In every epoch of Mrs. Madison's life, Mrs. Lee
was nigh to felicitate or to sympathize. When she was
parting for the unknown world, Mrs. Lee was close to
cheer. Mrs. Lee lived on and on and was a nonoge-
narian. She died the morning of Thursday, June 24,
1858. Hers was a "long life of distinction and useful-
ness.'" The funeral service was at her late residence, 468
Sixth street N.W., new numbering 416.

Anthony Morris, always sprightly in spirit, was always
sprightly in step. From the Highlands he would walk
to Georgetown — it is not a long distance for a good
walker — to exercise and to learn in the coffee houses
what was the excitement of the day. Something dis-
agreed with him and for two weeks or about that time
he was indisposed. One morning he went to his chamber
and closed the door. He smoothly shaved and carefully
dressed. Then he on the bed reclined himself in easy
attitude and closed his eyes. They called him; he re-
plied not. He had closed his eyes never to open them
again. He had approached his

Grave
Like one that wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams,

— Bryant : Thmiatopsis.

491

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

It was Rev. Henry Ward Beecher who said that a
strong man makes a business of it and dies quickly.

Mr. Morris died November 18, 1860. What there is
of his frame of mortality is beside what there is of gentle
Phoebe at the Bolton farm.

Mrs. Thornton died Tuesday evening, August 16,
1865. She was in her ninetieth year. The services were
held at her late residence, 303 G between Thirteenth and
Fourteenth streets.

In the Daily National Intelligencer appeared August
22, 1865:

The Late Anna M. Thornton.

The genius, extensive literary and scien-
tific attainments, agreeable manners, and personal worth
of Dr. Thornton united in the varied accomplishments
of Mrs. Thornton placed them at once in the foremost
rank of the literary, fashionable, and even political so-
ciety of the Metropolis. She was the last of that circle.
After the passing away of these her associates, Mrs.
T. retired into great privacy of life, devoting her time
to religious reading and gentle deeds of piety, giving of
her little to benevolent objects, and contributing as far
as she could to the comforts of others, in all things
observing the strictest justice, a sense of which was one
of her characteristics. Practicing all the virtues, she
lived to be surrounded by the descendants of her early
associates, and she died the object of their respect, sym-
pathy and veneration.

The Rochambeau,

February 13, 1914.
Dear Sir:

In reply to your inquiry about Mrs. Thornton's
appearance I would say she was quite small, whether that
was due to her being an old lady or not I do not know,

492

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

but as I remember her she was very short. She
always wore dainty white caps and the hair which
showed in front was brown. She had beautiful big
brown eyes, keen yet soft, wore a simple black dress
with a little white shawl thrown round her shoulders.
Her hearing, eyesight, mind and memory were good
to the very last and she was always alive and inter-
ested in whatever concerned her friends and in the
current news of the day. Mr. Gaillard Hunt at the
Washington Club a week or so ago spoke of what a
wonderful man Dr. Thornton was and yet how little
known. He 'spoke of his having been really the in-
ventor of the steamboat, though Fulton got the
credit, through getting hold of Dr. Thornton's draw-
ings. His talk carried me back to the many times I
had heard Mrs. Thornton speak of her husband hav-
ing invented the first steamboat and her grief over
the little recognition his talents and services had ever
obtained and it seemed so strange now to hear honour
paid to him and his wonderful genius and influence
proclaimed when all who were so deeply interested
were gone and it has made me think a great deal of
Mrs. Thornton lately. So your question came in
strangely. I wish I could give you an idea of her as
I see her in my mind's eye — sitting in her arm chair
by the window in her parlour — a little table with her
glasses, books and papers at her right hand ; her feet
resting on a little footstool, her room a veritable
museum of beautiful old things, from the tapestry-
covered chairs to the paintings and bric-a-brac around
in great profusion; and she, so simple-hearted and
sweet. My mother was a great comfort to her and
so tenderly interested in all that concerned her and
tried to encourage her to think that some day, justice
would be done.

Very truly yours,

Virginia Miller.

Mrs. Brodeau in Philadelphia established a select
school for girls under the encouragement of Bishop White

493

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

and others. In Philadelphia, Dr. Thornton met Miss
Anna Maria, the daughter; and they married, October
13, 1790.

Rose Adele Cutts — the mention of the name to those
who have her in the memory brings forth the exclama-
tion— "The beautiful Addie Cutts!" And then to the
exclamation comes the supplement — she was beautiful
in character.

On the return of James Madison Cutts and his bride
from Montpellier she, the bride, was installed the mis-
tress of the home of Richard Cutts. There — the Dolly
Madison House — was born Rose Adele, December 27,
1835.

At a children's fancy ball in the Executive Mansion,
as a flower girl, she appeared first formally. She was
seven.*

Virginia Tatnall Peacock says :f

At the time of her death her great-niece was fourteen
years old, and already possessed a beauty of the purest
Greek type, whose stateliness increased as she advanced
towards womanhood. The faultless outline of her pro-
file, the shapeliness of her head, her large, dark eyes,
her chestnut hair that showed glints of a golden hue in
the sunshine, the creamy tone of her skin, the perfect
proportion and development of her tall figure, all com-
bined to make the rare beauty of a personality whose
charm was augmented twofold by her own unconscious-
ness of its rich possession.

Virginia Miller says:

Among those I remember seeing pass by each day
were Madison Cutts and his beautiful daughter. * * *
One of the' interesting happenings at home on E street

* Famous American Belles of the Nineteenth Century.
~\Dr. Thomas Miller and His Times.

494

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

was the marriage of Miss Payne, Mrs. Madison's niece,
to whom my parents, had offered a home after Mrs. Mad-
ison's death. * * * Miss Addie Cutts was brides-
maid, and we children thought her the most beautifnl
of mortals.

Miss Cutts and Stephen A. Douglas, "the little giant,"
married, November 20, 1856. She accompanied her hus-
band on the campaigning; and in the memorable tour of
debate, she and Mr. Lincoln, her husband's foe and
friend, respectively, politically and personally, became at-
tached.

Mr. Douglas built a substantial residence in the city
of Washington, on Douglas Place, the northeast corner
of I street and New Jersey avenue. He died June 3,
1861.

Mrs. Douglas and General Robert Williams married
January, 1866. He was handsome in person and gal-
lant in arms. He was a scion of the Williams family
of Culpeper county, Virginia.

Jessie Benton Fremont says:

Seeing her again but a few years ago, her freshness
and added charm surprised me into asking her how she
had kept the clock back? and suffered no change only
increase of beauty, "Because I am happy, I suppose,"
she laughed with a lovely blush.

Mrs. Williams died January 26, 1899.

Mrs. Craig, the grandniece of Mrs. Madison, was the
hostess at a Dolly Madison tea, 1912. in Washington,
D. C, and impersonated the famous of the family with
turban and dress a la directoire, and well she might for
she has the same features and figure, the statistics of
stature being five feet six.

495

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

THE DOLLY MADISON BREAKFAST
MONDAY. MAY 20. 1912

THE one hundred and forty-fourth anniversary of
Dolly Payne Madison's birth

The breakfast was given by the daughters
of Democracy. Eligible to it were the women folks of
the Democratic Senators and Congressmen, of Demo-
crats of the States and the city — and the Madison
relatives.

The idea originated with Mrs. Robert C. VVick-
liffe, wife of a Louisiana Representative, and broached
at a luncheon she gave in honor of Mrs. Champ Clark.
And in the formulation and forwarding of the affair
Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Henry D. Clayton, wife of the Alabama
Representative, and Mrs. Oscar W. Underwood, wife
of the Alabama Representative, had the major part.

The breakfast was at Rauscher's, and one o'clock,
daylight, the hour of beginning. Four hundred were
the guests, all in handsome headgear. Dolly alone, in
the frame, was without not even a turban. The por-
trait was the product of Prof. Eliphalet F. Andrews,
and was festooned in Southern smilax ; and the guest
room was brightened with American beauties and
other horticultural beauties.

Mrs. Clayton, as chairman of the Executive Com-
mittee, made the address of welcome; and Mrs. Wick-
liffe introduced the toastmistress. Mrs. Champ Clark

497

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

was the toastmistress and the toasts and they who
responded thereto were :

Dolly Madison Mrs. Wm. Jennings Bryan

"Popular, brave, tolerant."

James Madison Mrs. Albert S. Burleson

"Man is but half without a woman."

Dolly Madison's Snuff-Box .... Mrs. S. W. Ralston

"You are aware that she snuffs, but in her
hands the snuff-box becomes only a gracious
implement with which to charm."

Women of the White House. Mrs. Norman E. Mack

"Be to her virtues very kind."

Women of the Cabinet Mrs. Judson Harmon

"The best example is acquired from the noblest in station."

The Congressman's Wife Mrs. T. M. Owen

"Be that you are, that is a woman."

Thomas Jefferson, Friend of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Martin W. Littleton

"I have professed thee my friend and I confess me knit to thy
deserving."

The Equal Importance of Women with Men in the

Economic Life of the Nation

Mrs. Henry T. Rainey

Peers in intellectuality proved the wives to be of their
notable husbands.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mrs. Henry D. Clayton Mrs. Edward T. Taylor

Mrs. John Sharp Williams Mrs. Albert S. Burleson

Mrs. John W. Davis Mrs. William A. Cullop

Mrs. Perry Belmont Mrs. William G. Brown

MEMBERS OF OTHER COMMITTEES

Mrs. Willis J. Abbott Mrs. Charles C. Carlin

Mrs. Timothy T. Ansberry Mrs. George E. Chamberlain

Mrs. Steven B. Ayres Mrs. Ben Cravens

Mrs. John H. Bankhead Mrs. James M. Curley

Mrs. Jack Beall Mrs. S Hubert Dent, Jr.

Mrs. William P. Borland Mrs. Matthew R. Denver

Mrs. William G. Brantley Mrs. Lincoln Dixon

Mrs. Nathan P. Bryan Mrs. Frank E. Doremus

Mrs. Joseph W. Bryns Mrs. F. R. Dorr

Mrs. James C. Cantrill Miss Isabel Lawrence Dupre

Mrs. Robert J. Bulkley Mrs. Scott Ferbis

Mrs. Ezekiel S. Chandler. 1r Mrs. David E. Finley

498

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Mrs. Duncan U. Fletcher Mrs.

Mrs. Finis J. Garrett Mrs.

Mrs. Henry George, Jr. Mrs.

Mrs. Green Clay Goodloe Mrs.

Mrs. Thomas P. Gore Mrs.

Mrs. James M. Graham Mrs.

Mrs. Curtis H. Gregg Mrs.

Mrs. Rufus Hardy Mrs.

Mrs. Carl Hayden Mrs.

Mrs. J. Thomas Heflin Mrs.

Mrs. Gilbert M. Hitchcock Mrs.

Mrs. Ben Johnson Mrs.

Mrs. Joseph F. Johnson Mrs.

Mrs. William A. Jones Mrs.

Mrs. Eugene F. Kin read Mrs.

Mrs. Thomas F. Konop Mrs.

Mrs. Gordon Lee Mrs.

Mrs. Asbury F. Lever Mrs.

Mrs. Martin W. Littleton Mrs.

Mrs. J. Charles Ltnthicum Mrs.

Mrs. James T. Lloyd Mrs.

Mrs. Charles C. McChord Mrs.

Mrs. James E. Martine Mrs.

Mrs. Ella H. Micou Mrs.

Mrs. Henry L. Myers Mrs.

Mrs. George A. Neeley Mrs.

Mrs. James A. O'Gorman Mrs.

William A. Oldfield
George F. O'Shaunessy
Robert L. Owen
Robert N. Page
Thomas H. Paynter
A. Mitchell Palmer
Andrew J. Peters
Atlek Pomerene
John E. Raker
Joseph E. Ransdell
Thomas L. Reilly
Joseph J. Russell
Dorsey W. Shakleford
William G. Sharp
Isaac R. Sherwood
Thetus W. Sims
Charles B. Smith
Hoke Smith
John H. Stephens
William J. Stone
Claude A. Swanson
Edwin F. Sweet
Edward T. Taylor
South Trimble
Clarence W. Watson
Robert C. Wickliffe
William B. Wilson

GUESTS OF HONOR TABLE

Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.

William Jennings Bryan Mrs.

Perry Belmont Mrs.

Albert S. Burleson Mrs.

Champ Clark Mrs.

William A. Cullop Mrs.

George E. Chamberlain Mrs.

Henry D. Clayton Mrs.

Stanley H. Dent, Jr. Mrs.

Eugene N. Foss Mrs.

Thomas P. Gore Mrs.

Judson Harmon Mrs.

Ben Johnson Mrs.
Martin W. Littleton

Norman E. Mack
Henry L. Myers
William O. Owen
John E. Raker
Henry T. Rainey
S. W. Ralston
William G. Sharp
William J. Stone
Edward T. Taylor
Oscar W. Underwood
Robert C. Wickliffe
Tohn Sharp Willtams

DESCENDANTS' TABLE

Miss Marie McM. Brown Mrs.

Mrs. Mary E. Craig Mrs.

Mrs. Pearl T. Ellis Miss

Miss M. Gouverneur Mrs.

Mrs. Randall Hoes Mrs.

Mrs. W. C. Johnson Mrs.

Mrs. Harmon Miller Mrs.

Miss V. G. Miller Mrs.

William O. Owen
R. A. Peter
Peter

Alex. Randall
S. S. Rodgers
Jerry C. South
M. C. Taylor
Tyler Wilson

499

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

The souvenir is a little volume, prettily produced, with
Dolly's portrait as a frontispiece. It contains a bio-
graphical sketch of Mrs. Madison by Miss Roberta Brad-
shaw, the committees, biographies of the guests of honor,
the menu, the musical numbers and the speaking parts
together with a directory.

The directory of the wives of Democratic members
of the Senate and the House of Representatives in the
62d Congress together with other data associated with the
memorable occasion was compiled at the suggestion of
Mrs. Champ Clark ; and it was appropriately dedicated
to her. The credit of this creditable history is to Miss
Bradshaw, as press agent, Miss Elizabeth Poe, as pub-
lishing director, and Mrs. Henry T. Rainey, as editor.

Another souvenir was a replica in silver of Mrs. Madi-
son's snuffbox with a bas relief of her head after the
Andrews creation.

500

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

2 Thomas

APPENDIX A

From the Cutts Genealogy :

Richard Cutts married Anna Payne.
Children :
1 James Madison b. July 29, '05. Saco,

Maine.

m. Ellen Elizabeth Neale
(d. Feby. 16, 1897)

d. May 11, 1863, Washing-
ton, D. C.

b. Dec. 1, '06.

m. Hannah H. Irvine, De-
cember, 1833.

d. Sept. 2, '38. Fort Jesup,
La.

b. Aug. 7, '08

Lost at sea.

b. January 21, '10.

d. October '15

b. July 13, 11. Maine.

d. December 13, '38. Wash-
ington, D. C.
Mary Estelle Elizabeth b. Sept. 16, '14. Wash-
ington, D. C.

d. July 14, '56. Virginia.
Richard Dominicus b. Sept. 21, '17.

m. Martha Jefferson Hack-
ley, (d. Feby. 17,
1895.)

d. Dec. 13, '83.

3
4

Walter Coles

Richard

Dolly Payne Madison

501

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

APPENDIX B

I John Todd Junior of the City Philadelphia being of
sound and disposing Mind and Memory Do make and
publish my last Will and Testament in manner following"
to wit First I direct my just Debts and Funeral Ex-
pences to be paid and satisfied Item.

I Give and devise all my Estate real and personal to
the Dear Wife of my Bosom and first and only
Woman upon whom my all and only affections were
placed, Dolly Payne Todd her Heirs and Assigns for-
ever trusting that as she has proved an Amiable and
Affectionate Wife to her John, she will prove and Af-
fectionate Mother to my little Payne and the sweet Babe
with which she is now ensient. My last Prayer is may
she Educate him in the Ways of Honesty tho' he may
be obliged to beg his Bread remembering that will be
better to him than a name and Riches. Having a great
Opinion of the integrity and honourable conduct of
Edward Burd and Edward Tilghman Esquires my dy-
ing request is that they will give such advice and Assist-
ance to my dear Wife as they shall think prudent with
respect to the Management and disposal of my very
small Estate and the settling of my unfinished legal busi-
ness. I appoint my dear Wife Executrix of this my
Will.

Witness my hand and seal this second day of July in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
ninety three. John Todd Junr (Seal.)

Probated November 21, 1793.

Cutts burial plot is in Oak Hill Cemetery, District of Columbia.
502

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

APPENDIX C

In the name of God, Amen.

I, Dolly Madison, widow of the late James Madison
of Virginia, being of sound & disposing mind and mem-
ory but feeble in body having in view the uncertainty
of life & the rapid approach of death do make publish
and declare the following to be my last will and testa-
ment:

That is to say

I hereby give & bequeath to my dear son John Payne
Todd the sum of ten thousand dollars being one half
of the sum appropriated by the Congress of the United
States for the purchase of my husbands- papers, which
sum stands invested in the names of James Buchanan,
John Y. Mason & Richard Smith as trustees :

secondly I give and bequeath to my adopted daughter
Annie Payne ten thousand dollars, the remaining half
of the said sum of twenty thousand dollars appropriated
as aforesaid by Congress and standing in the name of
said trustees, for her life time ; hereby directing the said
sum of ten thousand dollars to remain in the names of
the said trustees for the use of my said adopted daughter
for her life and that they the said trustees pay the in-
terest, as it becomes due on the same, to her, during
her life :

A.nd I further will & devise that should my said son
John Payne Todd survive my said daughter that upon
her death the sum so devised to her shall be paid over
to him & his executors ; but in the event of my said
adopted daughter Annie Payne, surviving the said John
Payne Todd, that the sum above devised to her for life
shall be held by the said trustees for her — & her exec-
utors free from all condition : leaving all the rest and

503

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

remainder of my property to be administered and dis-
tributed according: to law.

D. P. Madison

Signed, published &
declared by me the
said Dolly P. Madison
as my last will &
testament, this ninth
day of July in the year
1849: in the presence
of Sally B. L. Thomas

Elizabeth Lee

J. Madison Cutis

APPENDIX D

The belongings of Mrs. Madison are highly treasured
and far scattered. These are all known to the writer :

Gold ring with hair of Washington, given by him to
Mrs. Madison, and by her, in 1847, to Rev. George Duf-
field. Owned by Mrs. Edwards Pierrepont.

A chair. Owned by Miss Virginia Miller.

A fan. Owned by Miss Ella Loraine Dorsey.

Ear drops. Amethysts in quaint gold chains. Adele
Cutts Williams.

Ear drops and necklace. Carbuncles set in tiny old-
fashioned seed pearls. Mrs. Madison Cutts.

Two plates in the White House China Collection.
Presented by J. Henley Smith.

Necklace, mosaic with blue trimmings. Wedding
present from Mr. Madison. Mrs. John B. Henderson.

Handsome plates, one dozen. Mrs. Joseph B. For-
aker.

Gold pencil. Miss Rebekah Rawlings.

In the State Department, Bureau of rolls and library.
Mrs. Madison's "trunk, a quaint little box, about a foot
and a half long, covered with red morocco and adorned
with brass tacks and handles." "Contains an impor-
tant part of the original Constitution papers — the orig-
inal journal of the federal constitutional convention."

504

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

APPENDIX E

Dolly's features are pictured in drawings, engravings,
miniatures and paintings. A gallery they would make
of real art and beauty. The list is incomplete. No re-
production is mentioned.

Miniature by James Peale, dated 1794.

Pencil drawing by T. C. Liebers. Owned by Joseph C.
McGuire, Esq.

Sketch by John Vanderlyn. "February 28, 1803. Saw
Mr Vanderlyn begin Mrs M's picture in black lead
pencil." Mrs. Thornton's diary.

Portrait by Gilbert Stuart, 1804. Pennsylvania Acad-
emy of Fine Arts.

"June 3, 1804. Stuart has taken an admirable
likeness of Mr. Madison; both his and mine are
finished."

— Mrs. Madison.

"I send you an engraving from Stuart's Portrait,
which tho' indifferently executed, is a better like-
ness than Mr. Wood's." — Mrs. Madison.

Miniature in water colors by Dr. William Thornton.
Reproduced in Forty Years of Washington Society.

Silhouette from life. Reproduced in Forty Years of
Washington Society.

Miniature by artist unknown. Reproduced in the His-
tory of the Centennial Celebration of the Inaugura-
tion of George Washington as First President of
the United States.

Miniature. Painted in 1812 or 1814 on ivory. Repro-
duced in Our Presidents, Their Wives and Children.

Engraving in The Port Folio. April, 1818. Drawn by
" Otis.

Portrait by Rembrandt Peale. Owned by the New York-
Historical Society.

505

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

Life Mask by John Henri Isaac Browere, October, 1825.

Reproduced in Browere's Life Masks of Great

Americans. Charles Henry Hart.
Portrait by Joseph Wood.
Portrait by Joseph Wood. Owned by the family of the

late Walter D. Davidge.
Portrait by James Sharpless. Owned by the city of

Philadelphia and exhibited in Independence Hall.
Daguerreotype taken for Mrs. John C. Spencer, 1844.
Miniature by Elizabeth Milligan. April, 1844.
Miniature bv Fleming.
Portrait by W. S. Elwell. March, 1848. "A faithful

portrait W. W. S." (Seaton.) Owned by Admiral

Seaton Schroeder.
Engraving by R. Soper. Godey's Magazine and Lady's

Book, November, 1852.
Portrait by Alonzo Chappel. Reproduced in Portrait

Gallery of Eminent Men and Women.
Portrait by Prof. Eliphalet F. Andrews, 1911. An

adaptation.
Portrait by Eastman Johnson.

Mr. Johnson to his father, March 16, 1841 :

On Saturday I commenced a portrait of Mrs. Mad-
ison. She was very agreeable and I take much pleas-
ure in going every morning to her house. She comes
in at 10 o'clock in full dress for the occasion, and, as
she has much taste she looks quite imposing with her
white satin turban, black velvet dress and a counte-
nance full of benignity and gentleness. She talks a
great deal and in such quick, beautiful tones. So
polished and elegant are her manners that it is a
pleasure to be in her company. To-day she was
telling me of Lafayette, Mr. Jefferson and others.
Portrait, replica of above, for Daniel Webster.

506

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

APPENDIX F

Mrs. Washington, the wife of the Associate Justice
— they lived at Mount Vernon — under date, Alexandria,
March 30, 1812, writes:

Mrs. Washington returns her very affte. compts. to
Mrs. Madison, and assures her that it was with much
regret she found herself under the necessity of declining
Mrs. Madison's invitation to attend the nuptials of her
sister. Mrs. Madison's note reached Mrs. Washington
only a few hours before that appointed for the perform-
ance of the marriage ceremony. Mrs. Washington begs
leave, through the medium of Mrs. Madison, to offer
her felicitations to Judge and Mrs. Todd; in which Mr.
Washington, who is now from home, will heartily join
when he hears how happily his good wishes for Judge
Todd have succeeded.

APPENDIX G

The Collection of Period Costume at the National
Museum is due to the enthusiasm and effort of Mrs.
Julian-James and to her is greatly praiseworthy. It in-
structs and interests. The decrees of fashion for a cen-
tury are published.

The gown of Dolly Madison is beautiful buff with
graceful figures of grain and ties between. It is over
heavy white satin, on which is embroidered a vine of
pink roses with the suggestion "The rose is fairest when
'tis budding new." The creation is lace-edged. The
sleeves are to the elbow; the bodice is low-cut, yet the
charm of person could have been none the less because
of the delicate lace that fell from smooth shoulders. The
creation was complement to Dolly's charms. In no
richer array did ever bow a queen in Solomon's court.

It was lent by Mrs. W. F. E. Wyse.

507

Life and Letters of Dolly Madison

NAME INDEX

Abbott, John S. C, 459, 460

Abbott, Mrs. Willis J., 498

Abert, Mr. and Mrs. Charles, 470

Adams, Mrs. Charles, 292

Adams, John, 31, 36, 63. 99, 166,

188, 232
Adams, Mrs. John, 7, 8, 31, 36,

37, 39, 63, 258, 469
Adams, John Quincy, 47, 65, 102,

159, 202, 283, 284, 287, 310,

356, 409, 430, 431, 457, 460,

483
Adams, Mrs. John Quincy, 217,

292, 293, 308. 364, 427, 429,

430
Adams, Mrs. John, 308
Adams, Miss Louisa, 293, 304
Adams. Miss Mary, 293, 364
Albuquerque, Cavalcanti d', 284
Alexander, Frank, 258
Alsop, Mr. and Mrs. Richard, 470
Alston, Theodosia Burr, 106
Andrews, Eliphalet F., 497, 506
Ansberry, Mrs. Timothy, 498
Armstrong, Gen. John, 123, 163,

170, 175, 179, 182. 184, 185
Astor, John Jacob, 144, 145, 316,

377, 398, 433
Aulick, Mr. and Mrs. John H.,

470
Ayres, Mrs. Steven B., 498

Bache, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander D.,
Miss, 470

Bacon, Capt., 206, 207

Bagot, Sir and Mrs. Charles, 194.
195

Bailey, Chester, 164

Baker, Mrs., 367

Baker, Anthony St. John, 122

Balch, Rev. Stephen B., 129

Baldwin, Henry, 445; Mrs. Bald-
win, 123

Balmaine, Rev. Alexander, 25, 27

Bancroft, George, 387, 388, 462

Bancroft, Mrs. George, 388

Bankhead, Mrs. John II., 498

Barbour, James, 24, 246

Barbour, John S.. 362, 363
» Baring, Alexander (Lord Ash-
burton). 320, 321, 457

Barker. Jacob, 166, 170, 198,
403'7, 423. 425; Mrs. Barker,
404 .

Barlow, Toel, 117'20, 122, 123,
146. 402, 445

Barlow, Mrs. Joel, 104, 118-*20,
122, 123, 131, 445

Barlow, Stephen, 444

Barlow, Thomas, 445

Bauduv, M. and Mme. Ferdinand,
133, 134

Bayard, Tames A., 159, 194

Bayly, Thomas II.. 432

Beall, Mrs. Jack. 49S

Beazee, M. and Mme., 222

Bell. Mr. and Mrs. John, 470

Belmont, Mrs. Perry, 498, 499
Bennett, James Gordon, 170, 322,

323, 423; Mrs Bennett, 322
Berrien, Mr. and Mrs. John M.,

470
Biddle, Mrs. Thomas, 369
Birth, William W„ 197
Blaine, James G., 147
Blair, Mr. and Mrs. Francis P.,

298, 470
Blake, Como. George S., 334
Blake, James H., 100, 137, 177;

Mrs. Blake, 137
Blodget, Mrs. Samuel, 166
Bodisco, Alexandre de, 376, 463,

470; Mrs. Bodisco, 470
Bomford, Col. George, 246, 316,

398, 402, 445
Bomford, Mrs. George, 123, 146,

242, 243, 246, 288, 445
Bonaparte, Mme. Jerome, 59, 122,

125, 126, 131, 152, 225, 441-'4,

483
Bonfil, Mme., 255
Borland, Mrs. William P., 498
Boyd, A. M., 365

Brackenridge, Rev. Tohn, 92, 186
Bradford, Emily, 333
Bradlev, Abraham, 171, 176
Bradley, Charles, 176
Brantley, Mrs. William G., 498
Brent, Robert, 117, 401
Brent, William, 67, 100
Brevoort, Henry. 114, 116
Brodeau, Ann, 62, 88, 105, 493
Brooke, Francis, 285
Brooks, Geraldine, 444
Browere, John H. I., 220, 221. 506
Brown, Miss, 160, 167, 173
Brown. Gen. Jacob, 194
Brown, Miss Marie McM., 499
Brown, Mrs. William G., 498
Bryan, John, 340
Brvan, Mrs. Nathan P., 498
Bryan, Wilhelmus B., 473
Brvan, Mrs. William Jennings,

498, 499
Buchanan, Tames, 420, 433, 454,

456
Buckley, Mrs. Effingham L., 360
Bulkley, Mrs. Robert J., 498
Burd, Mrs. C. H., 470
Burke, Fannie Maury, 340
Burleson, Mrs. Albert S., 498, 499
Burnes, David. 249. 250; James,

249; John. 251
Burnes, Marcia, see Mrs. John

Peter Van Ness
Burr, Aaron. 19, 67, 89, 106. 204,

491
Burwell, William A., 211
Butler, Andrew P., 4.".9
Butler, Frederick, 222
Butler, Mrs. William Orlando, —

Cadwalader, Gen. and Mrs. John,
107

509

NAME INDEX— Continued

Calderon de la Barca, Don A.,

463, 470; Mine. Calderon, 463
Calhoun. John. 439, 461
Campbell, George W., 170
Cantrill, Mrs. James C, 498
Carbre, Count de, 78
Carlin, Mrs. Charles D., 49S
Carlisle, Tames M., 454
Carroll, Charles of Belle Vue, 165,
167, 170, 171, 175, 348, 394,
404, 407, 424
Carroll, Charles T., 170, 404-'6,

423
Carroll, Daniel of Duddington, 42,
100, 209. 404: Mrs. Carroll,
100
Carroll, Rev. John, 84, 442
Carroll, William T., 432, 470; Mrs.

Carroll, 470
Carter, Mrs. (Caroline Place,

Georgetown), 470
Carvalho, Moreira F. T. de and

Mme., 470
Cass, Lewis, 386

Catlin, Mr. and Mrs. George, 460

Causten, James H., Jr., 485, 486

Causten, Mrs. James H., Jr., 261,

305. 306, 309, 313, 314, 318,

326, 333, 334, 342, 344, 353,

361, 380, 388, 392, 418, 419,

421, 423, 431, 447, 454, 455,

462, 466, 485, 494

Chamberlain, Mrs. George E., 498,

499
Chandler, Mrs. Ezekiel S., Tr., 498
Chandler, Walter S., 168
Chappel, Alonzo, 506
Chauncey, Como. Isaac, 197
Cheves, Langdon, 140
Clark, Mrs. Champ, 497, 499
Clarke, Mrs. Anna R., 372
Clarke, John H., 432, 470; Mrs.

Clarke, 470
Clarke, Matthew St. Clair, 305,

321
Clay, Henry, 93, 159, 194, 217,
246, 277, 279, 285, 286, 306,
395, 461, 463, 475, 483, 486
Clay, Mrs. Henrv, 243. 246, 277,

279
Clayton, Mrs. Henry B., 497-'9
Clayton, John M., 450
Clinton, De Witt, 148
Clinton, George, 93, 123, 130
Coffey, Mrs. Mary C, 473
Cogswell, Joseph G., 377
Colden, Mrs. Cadwallader David,

49
Coles, Edward, 128, 138, 141, 151,
153, 154, 160, 210, 245, 314,
326; Mrs. Coles, 314
Coles, Isaac A., 100, 101
Coles, Mr. and Mrs. William, 9
Conway, Lucy H., 293
Coolidge, Toseph, 423; Mrs. Cool-
idge, 211, 218, 423
Coolidge, Mr. and Mrs. Richard,

422
Cooper, Comd. James B., 13
Cooper, Thomas Apthorpe, 311;

Mrs. Cooper, 252
Cooper, William J., 400

Corcoran, William W., 410-'12,
434, 455, 456; Mrs. Corcoran,
410, 411
Coxe, Mr. and Mrs. Richard S.,

470
Craig, Capt. William, 466
Craig, Mrs. William, 396, 449,

465, 466, 473, 495, 499
Cranch, Christopher Pease, 266
Cranch, William, 266, 275; Mrs.

Cranch, 38
Cravens, Mrs. Ben, 498
Creighton, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh, 12
Crittenden, John L, 279, 286, 298,
304, 360, 456; Mrs. Crittenden,
286, 448
Croggon, James, 165, 446
Cross, William B., 470
Crowninshield, Benjamin W., 190,

197; Mrs. Crowninshield, 190'4;

Charles Crowninshield, 395; Miss

E. B. Crowninshield, 395 ; Miss

Elisabeth Crowninshield, 395
Cullop, Mrs. William A., 498, 499
Cunningham, Pamelia, 354
Curley, Mrs. James M., 498
Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. Edward, 286
Curtis, George Ticknor, 317
Custis, George W. P., 175
Cutler, Rev. Manasseh. 47, 50. 52,

55, 56, 64, 65, 76, 77, 86; T.

Cutler. 64
Cutler, Julia Perkins, 77
Cutler, William Parker, 77
Cutting, Mrs. Nathaniel, 174
Cutts, Addie, see Mrs. Robert

Williams
Cutts, Charles, 305; Mrs. Cutts,

287
Cutts, Dolly P. M., 223, 23<?, 240,

244, 246, 268, 269, 289'91,

332 485
Cutts,' Tames Madison, 261, 262,

301, 353, 421, 455, 450, 461,

493, 494; Mrs. Cutts, 261, 418,

461, 465
Cutts, Tames Madison, Jr., 262,

467, 468
Cutts, Lucia Beverly, 32, 142, 160
Cutts, Mrs. L. Henrv, 470
Cutts, Mary E. E., 223, 241, 242,

244, 246, 259, 267'69, 292,

298, 312, 335, 395, 485'7
Cutts, Richard, 65, 66, 84, 97, 114,

138, 141, 169'72, 174'6, 178,

179, 183, 184, 248, 272, 273,

285, 289, 290, 304, 360, 361,

405
Cutts, Mrs. Richard, 10, 15, 24.

25, 52, 65-'7, 69, 70, 73, 74, 77,

79, 84, 88, 91, 94, 97, 101, 114,

115. 123, 127, 131, 152, 172.

174'8, 183, 200, 212, 215, 223.

240, 246-'S, 252, 256, 262, 267,

405
Cutts, Richard D., 234, 260, 324,

347, 348, 365, 371, 396; Mrs.

Cutts, 348, 371, 396
Cutts, Thomas, 261. 269, 289, 396.

466; Mrs. Cutts, 261, 396. 466
Cutts, Walter. 223, 224, 237, 244,

267

510

NAME INDEX— Continued

Dahlgren, Miss 468
Dallas, George M.. 470; Mrs. Dal-
las. 47(»; Miss Dallas, 470
Dandridge, Dorothea Spotswood. 0
Davidge, Walter D., 207, 335,

505
Davis, Mrs. John W., 498
Davis, Tlicodosia, 334
Dearborn, Gen. Henry, 41, 70, 90,

123, 130, 131, 209; Mrs. Dear-
born, 90
Dearborn. Henry A. S., 391
Decatur, Como. Stephen, 140, 146,

358
Decatur. Mrs. Stephen, 445, 402
Dashkoff, de, 66, 208; Mine, de

Dashkoff, 66
DeKay, Mrs. Janet IT., 353, 354
Dent, Mrs. Stanley H., Jr., 498
Denver, Mrs. Matthew R., 498
DePevster, Robert G. L., 166, 198,

394, 405'8, 423'5
Dickens, Mr. and Mrs. Asburv,

470
Dickinson, John D., 300
Dietz, Elizabeth C, 413
Dilworth, Jonathan, 17
Dixon, Mrs. Lincoln, 498
Dodd, Dr. William, 239, 492. 493
Doremus, Mrs. Frank E., 498
Dorr, Mrs. F. R., 498
Dorsev, Ella Loraine, 386, 504
D'Orsav, Count Alfred G. G., 268,

269
Douglas, Stephen A., 375, 410. 494
Downing, Jacob, 11
Drake, Joseph Rodman, 353
Drinker," Elizabeth, 10, 11, 17, 18,

29, 81; Nancy, 11; Sally, 11
Dromgoole, George C, 338, 420
Duncan, Garnett. 416, 432; Mrs.

Duncan, 410
Duncanson, William Mavne. S5,

252
du Pont, Henry A., 134
du Pont, William, 481
Dupre, Miss Isabel L., 498
Duval, Gabriel, 1S7, 348; Mrs.

Duval, 54, 103

Eakin, Tames, 100, 209

Earle, fames, 488

Eaton, Mrs. Tohn H., 113

Ellet, William H., 439; Mrs. Ellet,

143, 438-'40
Elliot. Jonathan, 87, 254, 255, 386
Elliott, Capt. Jesse D., 358, 359
Ellis, Mrs. Pearl T.. 499
Ellsworth, Henry L., 339
Ellsworth, Miss Annie G, 339
Elwell, W. S., 413. 473, 506
Eppes, Mrs. John Wayles, 50
Erskine, David Montague, 89, 102:

Mrs. Erskine, 102
Erving, George W., 44.S
Erwin, Mrs. John B., 473
Eustis, Mr. and Mrs.. George, 411
Eustis, William, 203; Mrs. Eustis.

131, 203
Ewell, Dr. James, 177
Eyre, Mrs. Wilson (Louise Lear),

392

Fairfax. Thorn; s, 1 (| '
Fendall, Philip EL, 450

Ferris, Mrs. Scotl, 4HS
Field, Mrs. John \V.. 369
Finley, Mrs. David E., 498
Fitzgerald, K., 90

Fleming, Ann. '.»

Fleming, 47.'!, 505

Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. Charles,

446
Fletcher, Mrs. Duncan U., 499
Floyd, Gen. William, 49; Miss

Catherine Floyd, 49
Foraker, Mrs. loseph B., 504
Forrest, David M., 209
Forrest, French, 209
Forrest, Richard, 89, 144. 145,

175, ,",50; Mrs. Forrest, 67, 102,

175
Forrest, Gen. Uriah, 349, 350;

Mrs. Forrest, 350
Forsyth, Tohn, 280; Mrs. Forsyth,

2S4, 287
Foss, Mrs. Eugene N., 499
Foster, Sir Augustus, 54, 62, 91,

111, 113, 122, 131
Foster, Sir Augustus J., 62
Foster, Corra Bacon, 246, 444,

446, 473
Fox, Sir Henry. 30S
Fremont, Mrs. Tessie Benton, 340,

463, 494
French, George, 350
French, George, Jr., 281, 351
French, Rev. J. W., 450
Freneau, Philip, 30, 31
Fulton, Robert, 445

Gadsby, Mrs. John, 470

Gaines, Gen. Edmund P., 194, 403

Gaines, Mrs. Edmund P. (Mvra

Clark), 377, 403
Gales, Mrs. Joseph, Sr., 434
Gales. Toseph, 446, 447, 450; Mrs.

Gales, 447
Gallatin, Albert, 41, 42, 44, 47,

159. 194, 200
Gallatin. Mrs. Albert, 42, 50, 125,

159, 160, 197, 200, 344
Gamble, Mr. and Mrs. James, 470
Gantt, Rev. Elward, 66
Gardiner. Mr. and Mrs. C. K., 471
Gardiner. David, 333, 334
Garrett, Mrs. Finis J.. 499
Gates, Gen. Horatio, 28, 29; Mrs.

Gates, 29
George, Mrs. Henrv, Jr.. 499
Gilpin, Henrv D.. 313, 369. 370
Gilpin, Mrs. Henrv D., 287, 313.

314, 369, 370. 371
Gleig, George, 73
Giles, William B., 235
Gilmer. Thomas W., 333, 334
Gobright, Louis A.. 193, 475
Goodloe, Mrs. Green Clay, 499
Goodwin, Maud Wilder. 10. 14. 15,

25, 26. 32, 103. 18S, 205, 206.

359, 468
Goodwin. Peterson, 13S
Gore, Mrs. Thomas P., 499
Gouveneur, Marian, 322. 409, 465,

499

511

NAME INDEX— Continued

Gouveneur, Samuel L., 471; Mrs.

Gouveneur, 323, 471
Graham, Mrs. George, 288, 441
Graham, Mrs. James M., 499
Graham, John, 100
Gratz, Rebecca, 369
Greenough, Horatio, 258
Gregg, Mrs. Curtis H., 499
Greenleaf, Tames, 42
Griffin, Appleton P. C., 473
Grinnell, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph, 471
Grubb, Sarah, 386
Gulick, Mrs. Elizabeth M., 325,

331, 435, 505

Hadfield, George, 254

Hagner, Alexander B., 322, 364,

373
Hagner, Peter, 254, 437, 438;

Mrs. Hagner, 43S
Hagner, Gen. Peter V., 437, 438
Hall, Capt. Basil, 225, 226
Hall, Lieut. Francis, 200
Halleck, Fitz-Greene, 198
Halleck, Mrs. Israel, 199
Hallowell, 24, 143
Hamilton, Alexander, 17, 74, 232,

427, 488
Hamilton, Mrs. Alexander, 364,

417. 429, 4S8'90
Hamilton, Lieut. Archibald, 146,

196
Hamilton, Paul. 117, 131; Mrs.

Hamilton, 131 ; Miss Hamilton,

128
Hamlin, Rev. Teunis S., 100
Hannegan. Edward A., 432
Hardy, Mrs. Rufus, 499
Harmon, Mrs. Judson. 498, 499
Harris, Esther W., 471
Harrison, Mrs. Matthew (Harriotte

Jones), 378, 379
Harrison, William Henry, 272,

303, 307, 378
Hart, Charles Henry, 220, 506
Haswell, Charles H., U. S. N., 396;

Miss Haswell. 396
Hawley, Rev. William, 256, 258
Hay, George, 105, 152; Mrs. Hay.

105
Hayden, Mrs. Carl, 499
Hayne, Robert Y., 295, 447; Miss

Havne, 296
Healy, George P. A., 223, 295
Heflin, Mrs. J. Thomas, 499
Henderson, Gen. Archibald, 100,

253, 428, 430, 450, 471; Mrs.

Henderson, 253, 471
Henderson, Mrs. John B., 504
Henry, Mrs. Kate Kearney, 47, 89.

145, 226, 253, 350. 382
Henry, Patrick, 10, 2r',2, 295
Hibben, Rev. Henry B., 233
Hill, Mrs. Charles, 2S7. 471
Hill, Mrs. Clement. 471
Hill, Silas TL, 45:'.
Hitchcock, Mrs. Gilbert W., 499
Hite, Mr. and Mrs. (Nelly Madi-
son), 25
Hoes, Mrs. Randall, 499
Holloway, Laura Carter, 166, 185,

309, 310, 458

Holloway, 218

Holly, Mrs. Hamilton, 418, 489
Homans, Benjamin, 160
Hood, James F., 274
Hopkinson, Joseph, 45
Howe, M. A. DeWolffe, 388
Howell, Jeremiah B., 126
Hubbard, Samuel D., 432
Hubbs, Rebekah, 161, 162
Hull, Capt. Isaac, 144, 146
Hull, Gen. William, 144
Humboldt, Baron von, 73, 74
Hume, David, 361
Hume, Dr. Thomas, 71
Humphreys, Col. David, 99
Hunt, Gaillard, 28, 40, 47, 54, 62,

84, 100, 107, 162, 221, 276
Hunt, Memucum, 286
Hunter, Alexander, 471; Mrs.

Hunter, 166, 287, 471
Huntt, Henry, 209

Ingersoll, Charles Tared, 158, 173,

189, 271, 329, 4~03
Irving, Washington, 114, 138, 185,

252, 295
Irving, William, 117
Iturbide, Mme., 381

Jackson, Andrew, 141, 189, 190,

217, 246, 270, 271, 274, 281,

303, 359, 361, 488
Jackson, John George, 32, 90, 94,

97. 105, 110
Jackson, Mrs. John George (Mary

Payne), 10, 15, 32, 90, 94, 264
Jackson, Joseph, 16
Jackson, Samuel, 348
Jay, Augustus, 401
Jay, John, 98, 232
Jefferson, Thomas, 8, 17, 29, 45.

49, 50, 52, 54, 61, 63, 70, 99.

105, 113, 154, 206, 213, 216,

229, 232, 250, 341, 344, 347,

359, 415, 433, 442, 467, 498
Teffrey, Francis, 136, 137
Jeffries, Miss, 267
Jennings. Paul, 167, 168, 390, 461
Jesup, Gen. Thomas S., 351, 450,

471; Mrs. Jesup, 388, 471
Johnson, Andrew, 420
Johnson, Mrs. Ben, 499
Tohnson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry, 471
Johnson. J. Eastman, 221, 382,

383, 505
Tohnson, Mrs. Joseph F., 499
Tohnson, William, Jr., 205
Tohnson, Mrs. W. C, 499
Johnston, Josiah S., 369
Johnston, William Dawson, 111
Jones, Fanny Lee, 378
Jones, Gen. and Mrs. Roger, 471
Tones, Samuel, 18
Jones, Walter, 291, 377, 378,

427, 432, 450, 454, 486; Mrs.

Jones, 378
Tones, William, 152, 162, 171, 184;

Mrs. Jones, 162, 163; Miss Lucy

Jones, 162
Jones, Mrs. William A., 499
Julian-James, Mrs., 507

512

NAME INDEX— Continued

Kemble, Mary, 471

Kennon, Capt. Beverly, 333; Mrs.

Kcnnon, 334
Kerr, Alexander, 209; Mrs. Kerr,

287; Miss Mary Ann Kerr, 254
King, Charles Bird, 35S, 385, 446,

454, 473
King, Horatio, 173
King, James G., 318
King, Nicholas, 255
King, William R., 138, 318
Kinkead, Mrs. Eugene F., 499
Kirkpatrick, Mary, 196
Knapp, Samuel L., 201, 408
Knickerbocker, Herman, 117
Knox, Gen. Henrv, 17, 98; Mrs.

Knox, 09, 70, 73
Konop, Mrs. Thomas F., 409
Krudener, Baron de, 267

Lafayette, Marquis de. 165, 217,

221, 291, 417. 430
Latrobe, Benjamin H., 85, 103,

107, 109, 110, 117, 252, 445;

Mrs. Latrobe. 109, 164, 166
Law, Tohn, 100, 137
Law, Thomas, 42, 45, 74, 76, 85,

229
Law, Mrs. Thomas, 75, 76, 472
Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. Abbott,

297
Lawrence, Amos, 393
Lear, Tobias, 444, 487; Benjamin

L. Lear, 488; Miss Maria Lear,

488
Lear, Mrs. Tobias. 243, 244, 263,

288, 323, 326, 342, 364, 380,

392, 393, 462, 487, 488, 490
Learned, Mrs. Frank, 482
Lee, Mrs. Gordon, 499
Lee, Adm. Samuel P., 298
Lee, Richard Bland, 490, 491
Lee, Mrs. Richard Bland. 14, 19.

197, 203, 205, 207, 208, 311,

312, 399, 448, 449, 451, 455,

473, 490
Lee, Theodoric, 447: Henry Lee,

447; Gen. Robert E. Lee, 447
Lee, William, 118-'20; Mrs. Lee.

119
L'Egare, Hugh Swinton, 330
L'Egare, Tames, 330, 335
L'Egare. Mary S., 309, 328'30,

335, 336
L'Enfant, Col. Charles Pierre, 85,

86
Leland, Charles Godfrey, 15
Lenox, Walter, 453
LeRoy, Jacob, 317
Lever, Mrs. Asbury F., 499
Lewis, Thomas, 50
Liebers, T. C, 472, 504
Linthicum, Mrs. J. Charles, 499
Littleton, Mrs. Martin W., 498, 499
Livineston, Edward, 99, 127, 442
Llovd, Mrs. Tames T., 499
Loc'kwood, Mary S., 282, 308, 311
Long, Robert, 100, 101
Love, Richard H., 168, 169; Mrs.

Love, 169
Lovett, Thomas R., 446
Lummis, William M., 440

Lyons, Charles, 120

Mack, Mrs. Norman E., 498, 499
Mack. Mrs. R. E., 439
McChord, Mrs. Charles C, 499
Macomb, Gen. Alexander, 284, 471 ;
Mrs. Macomb. 471; Misses Ma-
comb, 284
McCormick, Rev. Andrew T.. 128,

129
McCormick, Mrs. Charles T. A.,

472
McCormick, Rev. John H., 325
McDowell, James, 432; Mrs.

McDowell, 441
McGuire, Joseph C, 504
McGuire, Miss Mary M., 472
McKean, Mrs. H. Pratt, 369
McKean, Thomas, 132
McKenney, Thomas L., 168, 219,
303, 355, 366, 384-'7; Mrs.
McKennev, 387
McLean, John R., 350, 351
Madison, James, Sr., 24, 44, 107;
Mrs. Madison, 73, 107, 162,
212, 233
Madison, Rev. James, 27, 28
Madison, Tames, 17, 19-'32. 41,
44'9, 51, 52, 54, 61'4, 75, 76.
81, 83, 84, 87, 90, 93, 94, 97,
99'103. 105, 106, 108, 111,
113, 120, 124, 125, 129, 130,
I.'..:, 136-'8, 140'2, 144, 145,
147-'5l, 153, 154, 162, 164,
165, 167'72, 176, 178, 180,
1S.V5. 189, 192, 197, 203, 205,
206, 208, 210, 217, 218, 220,
221, 229. 230, 232-'7, 242'4,
248, 258-'62, 269'72, 275, 276.
278, 279, 284, 285, 294, 303.
315, 341. 359, 361, 363, 366,
367, 371, 385, 389, 391, 404,
408, 415, 420, 421, 430, 442.
452, 453, 458-'60, 468, 472, 475,
481. 484, 491
Madison, Mrs. Tames, 7-11, 14-22,
25, 26, 29-32, 35, 40, 41, 44.
45, 48, 49, 52, 54, 61, 62, 64'9,
72, 76, 78-84, 88-91, 93*5. 97.
lOO-'ll, 113, 114. 117'20,
122'30, 132, 135. 137'60, 163,
164, 166, 168, 169. 172, 174-'8.
180, 1S4'8, 190-'4, 196'8, 200,
202-'S, 210, 211, 213, 214, 216.
219'24, 226, 229, 232'7,
239'42, 244'9, 25S-'63, 265.
267'77, 279'84, 286'94, 296,
297, 299-301, 303, 304, 306.
307'16. 318'29, 331 -'48, 350.
351, 353'5, 357-'07. 370'6,
378, 380. 382-'5. 387-401, 405,
407, 409'12. 415'29, 431-'3.
435-'41, 444'69, 472'82, 485'8,
490, 491, 497, 498, 503, 504
Madison, James, Tr.. 104
Madison, William, 104, 263, 361,

362
Magrudcr, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick,

138; Miss Magruder, 139
Mann, Mrs. Henry L., 473
Marcy, William L., 321, 374

5I3

NAME INDEX— Continued

Marshall, John, 141, 194, 236,

275, 427
Martin, Charles, 488
Martin, Luther, 251
Martine, Mrs. James E., 499
Martineau, Harriet, 265-'7
Martini, Adr., 2S4
Mason, Mr. and Mrs. George, 254
Mason, Jeremiah, 218
Mason, " Tohn, 170, 171; Mrs.

Mason, 246
Mason, Tohn Young, 336, 338,

420, 432, 438, 454, 456, 471;
Mrs. Mason, 438, 454, 471

Massej', Henry, 249

Maurv, Fontaine, 115

Maxcv, Virgil. 333; Mrs. Maxcv,

334
Meade, Mrs. Richard R., 471
Mechlin, Toseph, 187
Meigs, Mrs., 284
Meikleham, Dr. D. S., 397: Mrs.

Meikleham, 345, 397
Meredith, William M., 450
Merry, Anthony, 57, 59, 61-'3, 70,

86, 87
Merry, Mrs. Anthony, 58-64, 70.

77, 87
Micou, Mrs. Ella H., 499
Mifflin, Samuel, 135
Middleton, Arthur, 253, 254; Mrs.

Middleton, 253
Middleton, C, 258
Miller, Mrs. Harmon, 499
Miller, Tulia F., 489
Miller, Dr. Thomas, 270, 378, 485,

493; Mrs. Miller, 270, 378, 379,

485
Miller, Virginia, 378, 380, 486,

499, 504
Millot, Mrs. A. Francis, 473
Mills, W. Tay, 12
Minor, Mrs.. 168, 169
Mitchell, Capt. James, 435
Mitchell. Dr. Samuel L., 48-50,

56, 91; Mrs. Mitchell, 48, 56,

93
Moncure. Henry W., 343, 344
Monroe, Tames, 28, 31, 32, 61, 62,

152, 163, 170'2, 175'7, 179,

181 -'4, 212, 213, 216, 224, 235,

236, 377, 404, 430; Mrs. Mon-
roe, 28. 32, 105, 152, 252
Montgomery, Mrs. John (Maria

Nicholson), 50
Montgomery, Mrs. Tohn C, 369
Moon, Rohert C, 135
Moore. Thomas, 57, 70, 72. 137,

199, 480
Morgan, Dr. James Dudley, 401
Morpeth. Lord (George Howard),

357
Morris. Anne Cary, 150
Morris, Anthony," 14, 84, 126-'8,

133'6, 153. 214. 240, 272.

280-'2, 314, 336, 360, 451, 472,

491, 492
Morris, Como. Charles, 145, 410,

421, 422. 4:*2, 450, 4 71: Mrs.
Morris. 421, -171: blisses Morris,
471

Morris, Effingham B., 472

Morris, Gouveneur, 150
Morris, James P., 125, 153
Morris, Mrs. Luke W., 360
Morris, Phoebe P., 121, 125'8,

133'5, 150, 153, 211'3, 215'7,

492
Morris, Robert, 42, 239, 404
Mosher, Mrs. Theodore, 471
Murray, Mrs. Sterling, 473
Myers, Mrs. Henry L., 499

Nancrede, Mrs. Y. G., 369
Neeley, Airs. George A., 499
Nelson, John, 216; Mrs. John, 105
Neuville, E. Hyde de, 209, 435,

436; Mme. de Neuville, 208.

209, 436
Newbold, John L., 349
Nicholson, John, 42
Norris, Mr. and Mrs. Moses, 471
Norton, Mrs. Louisa Key, 473
Nourse, Miss Caroline, 314
Nourse. Charles Joseph, 214, 281:

Mrs. Nourse, 125, 133, 214, 280,

281
Nourse, Toseph, 281, 348
Nourse, Miss Mary, 280, 281, 314

Oeller, James, 26
O'Gorman, Mrs. James A., 499
Oldfield, Mrs. William A., 499
O'Neale, Peggy, see Mrs. John H.

Eaton
O'Neale, William. 170
Orr, Benjamin G., 209
O'Shaunessv, Mrs. George F., 499
Oswald, John, 40
Ouseley, Sir Gore, 255
Owen, Mrs. Robert L., 499
Owen, Mrs. T. W., 498
Owen, Mrs. William O., 499

Page, Mrs. Lilly, 400

Page, Mrs. Robert N., 499

Pakenham, Sir Richard, 336

Palfrev, Tohn G., 439

Palmer, Mrs. A. Mitchell, 499

Parish, Mrs. Levi, 313, 471

Park, Dr. Thomas, 95

Patterson, Edward, 224

Patterson, Robert, 442

Patterson, William, 224, 442; Mrs.

Patterson, 131
Patton, Comd. and Mrs. John B.,

410
Patten, John Mercer, 263
Paulding. Adm. Hiram, 245
Paulding, Mr. and Mrs. James K.,

245
Paullin, Charles O., 68, 197
Paulson, Kate C. M.. 293
Payne. Anna, see Mrs. James H.

Causten, Tr.
Payne. Dolly P. M.. 485
Payne, Isaac, 10, 24, 29, 84
Payne, Tohn, 9. 10, 11, 13, 16
Payne, Mrs. Tohn. 9. 10, 16, 18.

24, 29. 32. 88, 90
Payne Tohn C. 10, 88, 128. 332.

466, 485
Pavne, Temple. 10. 29
Pavne, Walter, 10, 11

514

NAME INDEX— Continued

Payne, William, 10, 306
Paynter, Mrs. Thomas II., 499
Peacock, Virginia Tatnall, 113,

258, 493
Peale, James, 472, 473, 504
Peale, James, 471'. 41'A. 505
Pearson, Joseph, 110, 111, 401,

402; Mrs. Pearson. 140, 401
Pemberton, Betsey, 80, 82, 84
Pemberton, Isaac, SI
Percival, Sarah, 369
Perot, Mrs. Joseph. 360
Peter, Mrs. William (wife of Brit-
ish Consul). 309
Peter, Mrs. R. A., 499
Peters, Mrs. Andrew T., 499
Peters, Sallv, 369
Peyton, Bernard, 322
Peyton, Mrs. Eliza, 265
Phelps, Mrs. Almira H. L.. 415
Physic, Dr. Philip Sync. 77, 79
Pichon, Louis Andre, 43. 73. 228
Pichon, Mme. Louis Andre, 52, 60,

82, 228
Pierrcpont, .Mrs. Edwards, 504
Pile, Mr. and Mrs. Richard P., 351
Pinkney, William, 158
Pleasanton, Stephen, 450, 471 ;

Mrs. Pleasanton, 287, 471; Miss

Belle Pleasanton. 310
Plitt, Sophie Wager, 422, 471
Poindexter, George, 138
Poinsett, Toel R., 286. 471; Mrs.

Poinsett, 286. 287, 471
Polk, James Knox, 359, 374. 376,

449, 450
Polk, Mrs. James Knox, 287. 374,

375, 387, 389, 463
Polk, Ma;. William -H., 353, 354
Pomerene, Mrs. Atlee, 499
Poole, Mrs. Fitch, 65
Poor, Moses, 436

Poore, Ben. Perley, 291, 316, 381
Pope, Francis, 72
Porter, Como. David, 197
Porter, Sarah Harvey. 236, 340
Poultney, Nancv. 311
Preston, Mrs. Francis, 140, 295
Preston, William C, 139, 140, 279.

286, 291. 295. 297, 457
Preston, Mrs. William C, 286.

294-'7
Prince, Mr. and Mrs. William E..

423
Proctor, Lucien Brock, 336
Proud, Robert. 14
Pvne. Rev. Smith, 344, 364, 365,

373, 450, 486; Mrs. Pyne, 344

Rainev, Mrs. Henrv T.. 498
Raker, Mrs. John E., 499
Ralston, Mrs. S. W., 498, 499
Ramsav, Dr. David, 296
Randall, Mrs. Alex., 499
Randall, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. 254
Randolph. John, 131, 229, 271
Randolph, Mrs. Thomas M., 50,

82, 84, 105, 344. 397
Ransdell, Mrs. Joseph E., 499
Reading, Mrs. Pierson B. (Fannie

W.), 473, 486, 490
Redd, Mrs. Walton, 473

Reilly, Mrs. Thomas L., 499
Riggs, Mrs. George W., 471
Ringgold, Maria, 125
Ringgold. Tench, 171, 175
Ripley, Gen. Eleazar W., 194
Ritchie, Thomas 35S, 137, 450;

Mrs. Ritchie. 471
Rittcnliouse, Mr. and Mrs. Charles

E.—
Rivardi, Mme., 1"1
Rives, William C, 263, 279. 306,

."..".7, 458, 459; Mrs. Rhus. 306,

357: Miss Amelia S. Rives, 358
Robbins, Asher, 279
Roberts, Charles, 76, 90, 95, 234
Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Tames, 471
Rockwell, John A., 432
Rodgers, Como. John, 68, 177, 197,

209, 349, 471; Mrs. Rodgers,

471
Rodgers, Mrs. S. S., 4H!i
Rogers, Mrs. Lloyd N. (Miss Hay),

127
Roosevelt. James J., 298, 305, 417;

Mrs. Roosevelt, 305, 41 7
Roosevelt, Theodore, 476
Ross, Gen. Robert, 163
Ross, Elizabeth, 473
Royall. Ann, 236, 340, 454, 481
Rush. Madison, 315; Richard, 169,

171, 172, 175, 176, 179, 181,

182, 184, 234, 315, 359; Mrs.

Rush. 234, 315, 326
Russell, Col., 395; Miss Josephine

D. Russell, 395
Russell, Jonathan, 137, 159, 194
Russell, Mrs. Toseph J., 499
Russell, Sir William Howard. 378

Sansom. Billey, 11; Josey. 11
Sargeant, Mrs. Tohn. 369
Sargent, Nathan, 207. 337
Saunders, Romulus M., .".29
Schroeder, Adm. Seaton, 473, 506
Scott. Gen. Winfield, 194, 356, 400,

432. 471; Mrs. Scott (Miss

Mayo), 140. 141, 152, 471; Miss

Cornelia Scott, 400
Scull, Sarah, 161. 162
Seaton, William W., 137. 195, 196,

209, 316, 318, 383j 390, 434,

436, 447, 453
Seaton, Mrs. William W.. 92. 149.

157, 197. 395. 398, 434. 469
Sedcwick, Catherine M., 258
Serurier, M., 122, 123, 131, 149.

445; Mme. Serurier, 26.".
Sewall, Dr. Thomas, 304, 305, 344,

471: Mrs. Sewall, 304
Shakleford, Mrs. Dorscy W., 499
Sharp, Mrs. William G., 499
Sharpless, Tames, 500
Shelby, Gen. Isaac, 272
Sherwood, Mrs. Isaac R., 499
Shubrick. Adm. and Mrs. William

B., 471
Sibley, Dr. John, 369
Sigourney, Charles, 414, 415
Sigourney, Mrs. Charles (Lydia H.),

220, 414'6
Sims, Mrs. Thetus W., 499
Sim. Dr. Thomas. 241. 243

515

NAME INDEX— Continued

Singleton, Esther, 191'3, 195, 308,

354, 373, 376, 468
Singleton, Mrs. Richard, 298
Sioussat, John, 165, 184, 188, 289,
300, 325, 327; Mrs. Sioussat,
328
Slaughter, Gen. James E., 321
Smith, Mrs. Charles B„ 499
Smith, Hal H., 321
Smith, Mrs. Hoke, 499
Smith. T. Henley, 504
Smith, John, 138, 139; Miss Smith
(dau. Sen. Smith, N. Y.), 115,
138
Smith, Jonathan B. H., 432
Smith, Richard, 280, 346, 347,
372, 373, 420, 426, 431'3, 454
Smith, Robert, 41, 59, 105, 123;

Mrs. Smith, 59, 60, 105
Smith, Rosalie N., 440
Smith, Samuel H., 39, 40, 54, 87,
174, 176, 304, 371; Miss Susan
B. Smith, 87
Smith, Mrs. Samuel H., 39-41, 44,
45, 52, 54, 59-61, 65, 87, 91,
92, 99-102, 107, 108, 158, 168,
174, 176, 196, 226, 228, 229,
233, 239, 252, 255, 256, 263,
264, 267, 288, 304, 340, 381,
436, 468, 469
Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L.,

471
Smith, Mrs. William, 37
Smith, Walter, 385
Soper, R., 505
South, Mrs. Jerry C, 499
Southard, Samuel M., 225, 310,

311
Spencer, John C, 336, 337, 373
Spencer, Mrs. John C, 337. 345,

506
Spotswood, Alexander, 10
Stelle, Pontius D., 39
Stephens, Alexander H., 420, 432,

456
Stephens, Mrs. Ann S., 415
Stephens, Mrs. John H., 499
Steuben, Baron von, 98
Stevenson, Andrew, 223, 236, 237,

245, 269
Stevenson, Mrs. Andrew (Sally
Coles), 140, 141, 152, 188, 189,
211, 222, 223, 236, 245, 269
Stevenson, Miss Belle, 310
Stewart, Como. Charles, 145
Stockton, Capt. Robert F., U. S.
N., 333, 334, 471; Mrs. Stock-
ton, 471
Stoddert, Benjamin, 37, 44: Miss

Stoddert, 89
Stokes, Tonathan, 77
Stone, Mrs. William T., 499
Stuart, Gilbert, 73, 132, 221, 248.
406, 407, 433, 454, 472, 473,
505
Swanson, Mrs. Claude A., 499
Sweet, Mrs. Edwin F., 499
Svng. P., 81

Tacon. Francisco. 284
Taggart, Hugh T., 72, 249

Tayloe, Benjamin Ogle, 62, 78.

136, 165, 272, 300, 459; Mrs.

Tayloe, 262, 300, 305, 323, 345

Tayloe, John, 56, 101, 152, 1S5'7,

209; Mrs. Tayloe, 122, 126-

Miss Tayloe, 298

Taylor, Mrs. Edward T., 498, 499

Taylor, Hannis, 321

Taylor, Gen. James, 127, 306;

Mrs. Taylor, 306
Taylor, Mrs. M. C, 499
Thomas, Mrs. (Dr.) J. M., 432,

455
Thompson, Jonah, 44
Thompson, Mrs. Joel, 166
Thompson, Jacob, 329
Thomson, Mrs. J. Ross, 473
Thornton, Dr. William, 37, 43, 44
46, 47, 51, 54, 55, 57, 58, 62,
73, 75, 78, 88, 102'4, 107, 120,
121, 175-'7, 187, 225, 229, 288,
401, 402, 473, 492, 493,' 505
Thornton, Mrs. William, 37, 39,
50, 51, 61, 66, 73, 83, 88, 97,
102-'5, 111, 142, 174, 175, 177,
189, 229, 247, 270, 292, 308,
340, 364, 378, 401, 435, 468,
473, 492, 493, 505
Tillinghast, Thomas, 52
Tindall, Dr. William, 469
Tingey, Como. Thomas, 45, 68, 69,
84, 100, 101, 177, 233; Mrs.
Tingey, 67, 69, 84
Todd, Charles Burr, 106, 120, 146
Todd, George D., 127
Todd, John, Sr., 14, 18; Alice, 14;

James, 18; Mary, 14
Todd, John, Jr., 14-'9, 32, 264
Todd, Mrs. Tohn G., 447
Todd, John Payne, 17, 18, 82, 88,
94, 104, 105, 125, 128, 131,
132, 138, 151, 159, 211, 213'5,
217, 219, 224, 239, 242, 244,
262, 268, 269, 281, 285, 288,
306, 329, 330, 339, 343, 363,
397, 419, 431'3, 454, 455, 458,
483'5
Todd, Thomas, 127, 128, 211, 218,

272, 331, 507
Todd, Mrs. Thomas, 10, 15, 20,
94, 114, 115, 125, 126, 128,
131, 133, 164, 211, 271, 329,
331, 407, 507
Todd, William Temple, 17, 18
Tombs, Mrs. Robert, 447
Totten, Gen. Joseph G., 450
Townsend, George Alfred, 258
Trimble, Mrs. South, 499
Trist, Nicholas P., 242, 397
Trist, Mrs. Nicholas P., 105, 211,

243, 397, 457
Troubetzkoy, Amelia Rives, 357
Turreau, de Garambonville, 77, 78,
83, 102, 117; Mme. Turreau,
78, 83
Twining, Thomas, 39, 75
Tyler, Benjamin O., 356
Tyler, 'John, 450
Tyler, Robert, 312
Tyler, Mrs. Robert, 307'9, 311,
468

516

NAME INDEX-Continued

Underwood, Mrs. Oscar W.( 497
Upshur, Abel P., 333, 334
Upton, Harriet Taylor, 13, 66, 146,
147, 218, 371, 463, 485

Van Buren, Abraham, 238, 291
Van Buren, Mrs. Abraham, 291,

292 298
Van BuTen, Martin, 284, 286, 450,

488; Martin, Jr.. 284
Van Cortland, Philip, 132
Vanderlyn, John, 504
Van Ness, Cornelius P., 253, 255,

305
Van Ness, John Peter, 74, 100,

115, 117, 138, 252, 253, 256,

257, 286, 287
Van Ness, Mrs. John Peter, 116,

125, 138, 192, 249, 251-'S, 267,

381, 382. 473
Van Ness, William P., 115
Van Rensselaer, Elizabeth R., 471
Van Zandt, N. H., 471
Vaughan, Sir Charles, 267, 291
Veitch, Richard, 44
Voss, Nicholas, 46

Wadsworth, Gen. Peleg, 65
Walker, George, 16, 32, 33
Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Robert T.,

471
Waller, William, 309
Waller, Mrs. William (Miss E. P.

Tyler), 309
Warrington, Como. Lewis, 432,

450, 471; Miss Warrington, 471
Washington, Dr. and Mrs. Bailev.

254
Washington, Bushrod, 349, 507
Washington, Gen. George. 24, 63,

76, 97, 98, 154, 166, 229, 242,

250, 258, 359, 433, 487
Washington, Mrs. George, 19, 20,

75, 487
Washineton, George Steptoe, 15,

21, 22, 31. 77, 94, 114
Washington, Harriot, 25
Washington, Mrs. John Augustine,

353
Washington, Lawrence, 77
Washington, Thornton, 77
Washington, William Augustine,

444
Watmough, Mrs. James H., 472
Watson, John F., 14
Watson, Mrs. Clarence W., 499
Watson, Winslow M.., 62
Watterson, Georce, 111
Way, Andrew, 187
Webster. Daniel, 218. 280, 286,

295, 316-'8, 320, 336, 390, 434,

447, 461, 462
Webster, Mrs. Daniel, 286, 317-'9,

462

Webster, Fletcher, 317

Weems, Rev. Mason L., 154, 156

Weightman, Roger C, 102; Mrs.

Weightman, 290; Miss Serena L.

Weightman. 290
Wellesley, Marquis of (Miss Mary

Ann Caton), 125
Wells, Polly, 11

Wethered, Mr. and Mrs. John, 472
Wharton, Anna Hollingsworth, 112,

125, 126, 151, 154, 160, 167,

169, 174, 315, 405, 468
Wharton, Franklin, 100
Whitall, Samuel, 349
White, Alexander, 26, 27; Mrs.

White, 27
Whitney, M. W., 403
Wickliffe, Mr. and Mrs. C. A., 472
Wickliffe, Mrs. Robert C, 497, 499
Wightt, Ann, 312, 381, 382
Wilcox. Marv C. D., 270
Willcock, 213
Wilkes, Como. Charles, 136, 285,

439: Mrs. Wilkes, 439
Wilkes, Eliza, 285
Wilkes, Tane, 285
Wilkes, John, 136
Wilkins, Mr. and Mrs. William,

472
Wilkins, William W., 21. 23, 24
Wilkinson, Gen. James, 140
Williams, Col. John S., 162, 171
Williams, Mrs. John Sharp, 498,

499
Williams, Gen. Robert, 410, 494
Williams, Mrs. Robert, 270, 409,

410, 449, 461. 493'5, 504
Williams, Wesley, 293
Willis, Dr., 73, 211
Willis, Mrs. Nelly C, 211, 212.

294
Wilson, Mrs. Tyler, 499
Wilson, Mrs. William B., 499
Winder, Gen. William EL, 164.

177, 182, 404
Wincate, Mrs. Joseph F., 326
Winstanley, 166
Winston, Edmund, 10
Winston, Mrs. Isaac, 66; Mrs. Win-
ston, 332
Winthrop, Robert C, 390, 472
Wirt, William, 105, 186, 253:

Mrs. Wirt. 186
Wood, Joseph, 206, 207, 4S3, 505
Woodbury, Mr. and Mrs. Levi,

286, 472
Wright, Robert, 137
Wyatt, Thomas, 475
Wyse, Mrs. W. F. E., 507

Young, Mr. and Mrs. W., 472
Yrujo, Marquis de Casa, 82, 133
Yrujo, Marchioness de Casa (Sally
McKean), 62, 82, 132. 133

517

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